2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320Peter Bleakney / Driving Theres nothing quite like horsepower until you dont have any. A recent test of the European Skoda Fabia S hatchback and its diminutive 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine drove the point home.With just 59 horsepower and 70 foot-pounds of torque, it could barely move the front bumper, never mind the rest of the car and its driver the 16.4-second run from zero to 100 km/h proved it to be the epitome of slow.Thats definitely not the case with these five horsepower leaders, all priced under $50,000 (based on the MSRP before manufacturer discounts). All five are charismatic rides with the ability to wow the driver and rider alike!2020 Ford Mustang GT$87.58 per horsepowerLeading the way is the Ford Mustang GT Fastback. The 5.0-litre V8 develops 460 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque and drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox that rev-matches on downshifts.It also comes with some fancy drag-inspired technologies. It has a launch control system and a line-lock setup. The latter allows the front brakes to grab the rotors, but leave the rear brakes off, so doing a burn-out to warm the rubber is as easy as it gets.The GT is also very nicely balanced. It is comfortable on an everyday basis, yet body roll is controlled and the tires let the driver know when they are reaching the traction limit. Punch the gas at this point and the back end breaks away in a controlled manner that is easily caught. The adjustable steering also lets the driver pick the right weight.The numbers? With a base MSRP of $40,289, it costs just $87.58 for each of the 460 stallions. It runs from rest to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds; does the more important 80-to-120-km/h passing move in 2.4 seconds; and it has a quarter-mile time of 12.2 seconds. The posted average fuel economy, not that it matters, is 13.3 litres per 100 kilometres.2019 Chevrolet Camaro 1SS$97.20 per horsepowerThe 2019 Chevrolet Camaro has new front and rear fascias along with some tweaks to the equipment list. The sleeper in the lineup is the Camaro 1SS it is a true wolf of a ride that never fails to entertain. In this case, the 1SS arrives with a 6.2-litre V8 that fires 455 hp and 455 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching downshifts.It also gets 20-inch wheels wearing 245/40 front and 275/35 rear tires; four-piston Brembo brakes; and a performance suspension, along with a limited-slip rear differential. Track Mode puts everything into hyper, including the exhaust note. The serious punter will add the 1LE Track Performance package. It is not cheap at $8,495, but it gets bigger six-piston front Brembo brakes, a magnetic ride control suspension and Recaro bucket seats, among other things, all of which make a massive difference for the track aficionado. The Camaro is not quite as forgiving as the Mustang when the back end lets go the traction is prodigious, but when the tail disappears, it takes fast hands to catch things.With a base price of $44,245, each of the Camaro 1SSs horsepower cost $97.20. It runs to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds; does the 80-to-120 km/h passing move in 2.5 seconds; and has a quarter-mile time of 12.4 seconds. The posted average fuel economy is 12.6 L/100 km.2020 Dodge Challenger R/T$106.82 per horsepowerWhile the Dodge Challenger and Charger are essentially the same, it is the two-door model thats the focus here. This year, the 840-hp Demon goes away, but the 797-hp SRT Hellcat Redeye joins the lineup. Anyway, back to the real world!The Challenger R/T arrives with a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 that pushes 372 hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission there is a six-speed manual gearbox available ($1,000). At 1,917 kg, the Challenger R/T is not quite as fast in a straight line, nor is it as sharp through a corner as the Mustang GT or Camaro 1SS, but the handling is forgiving and the grip levels are high.The upside is the highway ride is more comfortable. The Performance Handling group is worth the coin the $1,795 brings performance-oriented 245/45ZR20 tires, Brembo brakes and a performance steering setup.The Challenger R/T has a base price of $39,740 and a cost of $106.82 for each horsepower. It runs to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds; does the 80-to-120 passing move in 3.5 seconds; and has a quarter-mile time of 13.5 seconds. The posted average fuel economy is 13.1 L/100 km.Sadly, the Challenger Scat Pack 392 (pictured) sits $1,445 over the $50,000 cap. However, with a $106.07 cost for each of its 485 hp, a 4.4-second run to 100 km/h, a 2.6-second 80-to-120-km/h passing time and a 12.6-second quarter-mile, it is money very well invested!2020 Kia Stinger GT AWD$123.27 per horsepowerWhen the Kia Stinger GT arrived, it raised more than a few eyebrows. With its stylish Euro-inspired five-door design, the GT added a much-needed halo car to a brand made famous by its economy rides. The GTs drive
Origin: These are the five highest-horsepower sports cars under $50,000
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These 5 electric vehicles look old-school but are all-new
New EVs are ugly. Its a fact, deal with it. Another fact is most new cars are ugly, but thats another story altogether.Whatever it is about electric cars, theres something about their design and save the world mission statement that automakers interpret as futuristic.This leads them to deduce the vehicles must look like theyre straight out of Star Trek.Unfortunately, theyre wrong, and when you have the technology to make a vehicle look like anything, you should make it look old.These vehicles imagine what would have happened if the electric cars of the 19th century received half as much attention as gasoline-powered vehicles, and shaped the world into the electric future we dare to call retro.In short, here are five retro EVs.Morris Commercial JEMade to resemble the brands J-Type van of the 1940s, the Morris JE is a modern interpretation of the classic panel van, with little to no styling updates. Good.With a range of 200 miles (320 km) and a price tag of $75,000, the JE isnt going to win over any Tesla buyers, but that doesnt matter, because its already won our hearts. Its also available in a few different configurations, including cargo, passenger and pickup.Microlino microcarConventional wisdom suggests it aint a good idea, locking yourself in a fridge, but we immediately decided to make an exception to that rule when we took one look at the Microlino, styled after the BMW Isetta microcar of the 1950s.When the BMW Isetta was introduced in the 1950s, BMW was a struggling car brand, crippled by the woes of post-war Germany. The small, affordable vehicle brought some much needed money back to the brand, and saved it from ruin.The new version costs $18,000, and is good for 125 miles (200 km) on a charge. Hopefully the Isetta moves on from saving companies to saving the planet.Nobe 100How many wheels do you need? Three is plenty, especially when you look as good as this retro EV. We mean, cmon, the Nobe 100 looks like it was ripped straight out of Raymond Loewys sketchbook.This car could be made available, and by that, we mean its development is being crowdfunded, so whether it makes production will depend on demand from consumers which we hope will be massive. After all, 136 miles (220 km) per charge and an MSRP of $45,000 should guarantee brisk sales.Renault e-Plein AirIs a Fiat Jolly too mainstream to you? Consider this French alternative! Putting the passengers right out in the open, the Renault e-Plein Air is an open-top version of the Renault 4 of the 1960s. Under the stylish skin is the tech from the brands Twizy vehicle.No pricing as of yet, as its still just a concept, but hopefully this one becomes a reality. Were sure the Pope would love one as a gift.Honda EOK, so maybe this one is not as retro as the others the Honda E’s looks are based on a car thats not too old to begin with, the Honda Civic. But do we care? Not one bit.The fabulous styling of the Honda E makes some of us remember our high school days, or maybe your dads high school days. We think 136 miles (220 km) of range should be perfect to get you around the city and back, and for just $42,000.LISTEN: Electric vehicle clubs have been around for decades, and up until just recently their memberships consisted of backyard tinkerers converting gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. Now that most global automakers are producing Evs, where does that leave these clubs? In this weeks episode of Plugged In we talk with Bruce Stout of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association about that and much more.
Origin: These 5 electric vehicles look old-school but are all-new
These 10 vehicles are 2019’s least reliable models according to Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports has revealed its list of the top 10 least reliable vehicle models for 2019, and, shocking no one, its filled mostly with cars from American automakers.To evaluate the vehicles, Consumer Reports tests 17 problem areas, including squeaky brakes, broken interior trim, out-of-warranty transmission repairs and four-wheel-drive issues.The severity of each problem is weighted to give a Predicted Reliability Score, cross-referenced with track tests and owner satisfaction survey results to give the final score. Some 420,000 vehicle owners are surveyed in the test.Yes, not unexpectedly, this year a lot of the vehicles at the bottom of the reliability scale are from American and Italian brands, with only a few surprises thrown in.Chevrolet TraverseRight off the bat, the Chevrolet Traverse earned its spot at number 10 on the list by offering poor reliability, but above-average owner satisfaction, it should be noted. You win some, you lose some.Chrysler PacificaNumber nine on the list is one of the few remaining Chrysler-branded vehicles the namesake OEM makes anymore, the Pacifica minivan. With a score of 16, the vehicle received a poor reliability rating and an average owner satisfaction rating.Tesla Model XThe Tesla Model X is next with a score of 15. Perhaps we should not be surprised by Tesla owners’ cult-like devotion to the brand, but despite this poor reliability, the Tesla somehow managed to garner an excellent rating in the Owner Satisfaction department. It’s not the first time we’ve seen this counterintuitive devotion from Tesla owners…Acura MDXOnly one Japanese vehicle made the list, the Acura MDX, with a score of 15. Reliability was found to be poor, and customer satisfaction was also below-average.Volkswagen Atlas and TiguanTwo Volkswagens made the list in the fifth and sixth spots, the Atlas and Tiguan. with a rating of 13 and 15 respectively. Both earned poor reliability scores, and only average owner satisfaction.Alfa Romeo GiuliaAlfa Romeo had to make the list, and it did it this time with the Giulia, and a score of 13. Owner satisfaction was above-average, but reliability was still poor.Jeep WranglerIf youre surprised at number three, you dont know anything about cars. Its the Jeep Wrangler, with a score of 12. Poor reliability ratings, but, again, still an above-average owner satisfaction rating.Chevrolet CamaroSecond from worst is the Chevrolet Camaro with a score of five. Poor reliability ratings didnt stop owners from giving it an excellent satisfaction rating, however. We have a hunch Camaro owners are probably more interested in performance than durability, anyway.Chevrolet ColoradoThe worst offender, according to Consumer Reports’ surveys, is the Chevrolet Colorado, with a reliablility score of just four. Not only was the truck unreliable, owners rated their satisfaction with the vehicle as
Origin: These 10 vehicles are 2019’s least reliable models according to Consumer Reports
These are leaked photos of the Genesis GV80 luxury SUV
Pictures of Genesis upcoming luxury SUV have leaked online, giving us our best look at the vehicle since the release of the concept.The leak comes courtesy of an Instagram post by @allcarnews, who spotted the vehicle in a warehouse.The GV80 is the Genesis brands first crossover, and is set to compete with the likes of the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q7. View this post on Instagram Genesis GV80 LEAKS 🇰🇷 ______________________________________ (12/1/19) Happy December everyone, Genesis is a monster about to emerge and the new GV80 is going to shake up the midsized luxury SUV segment! Now that they have autonomy from Hyundai, Genesis has been hard working on their own infotainments, switchgear, fonts, design and unique components ONLY to the Genesis brands! Their first product to feature this is the upcoming GV80 SUV that will tackle the X5, XC90, GLE, MDX and other SUV’s of that class! The GV80 is based on a RWD chassis derived from the upcoming all new G80 sedan and frankly looks stunning, almost like a Bentayga met the XC90 and created a beast! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🏁 @Allcarnews Spec Sheet: The RWD/AWD GV80 SUV should pack a 3.3L TT V6 currently making 365HP but my sources say it will be revised to produce more power. Other engines could include a base n/a V6 and possibly a turbo-4 as well. Definitely expect a PHEV version in the future as well. 🏁 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Many call Genesis a failure but no one points to their first true lineup yet to be (very soon) released consisting of the ground up new G80 sedan, the facelifted G90, the all new GV80 SUV, the upcoming G70 SUV, a facelifted G70 sedan, and a limited electric supercar in partnership with Rimac! The GV80 features split strip LED lights front and back with a new G-Matrix Genesis grille, and a radical interior design! The interior van be optioned with things like quilted leather, massaging seats and all the hands down best driver assistance systems that even give Tesla’s Autopilot a fun for its money in most conditions. The unique interior design with the horizontal steeringwheel, custom switch gear, integrated infotainment, digital dash and more offer a fresh look on a segment with interiors that have been around for ages cough cough BMW. It is set to go on sale in the US Summer 2020 too! ________________________________________ ACN EXTRA: Super excited for the REAL Genesis!________________________________________ Text by @allcarnews #Genesis #GV80 #GV70 #Hyundai #korean #SUV #V6 #V8 #G80 #Stinger #carbon ||#powerful #performance A post shared by A L L C A R N E W S (@allcarnews) on Dec 1, 2019 at 5:49am PSTIn the styling department, the vehicle seems to remain true to the GV80 Concept, sporting a large pentagon grille thats already made its production debut on the refreshed G90 sedan. The headlights also remained the same, small slits that flank the fascia.Even the inside was leaked, showing the large infotainment screen placed in the middle of the dash, as well as the interesting-looking two-spoke steering wheel. Two knobs are located on the centre console, one for the infotainment and the other for the transmission.The underhood area was not shown, but were assuming the SUV will sport a turbocharged V6 engine, with a four-cylinder hybrid standard. A plug-in hybrid option might also be coming in the future. The platform for the GV80 is the same as the G80s, which means its rear-wheel-drive.Expect the GV80 to make its official debut in early 2020, and to be in dealerships a few months later.LISTEN: Electric vehicle clubs have been around for decades, and up until just recently their memberships consisted of backyard tinkerers converting gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. Now that most global automakers are producing EVs, where does that leave these clubs? In this week’s episode of Plugged In we talk with Bruce Stout of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association about that and much more. Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.Is the player not working? Click
Origin: These are leaked photos of the Genesis GV80 luxury SUV
These car debut fails were absolutely cringe-worthy
In what was easily one of the most meme-able moments of 2019, Tesla revealed its highly hyped Cybertruck at an event in Los Angeles last week, badly damaging two windows in the process of demonstrating the durability of the transparent metal armoured glass.Of course, Tesla isnt the only automaker in history to blow it on a new models big night. Faraday Future and Acura (the latter with help from Ford) have also made some crucial mistakes when the whole world was watching.But the honour of worst new car presentation has to go to Infiniti for its QX reveal. Read on to learn what went wrong at each event, including some insight from Drivings own Jil McIntosh, who was on hand to witness some of the fails.Faraday Future FF91’s self-parking self-ownAll eyes were on California-based EV startup Faraday Future at CES 2017. The company was debuting its first production vehicle and flagship, the FF91, at the tech event, and expected to show off its self-parking abilities.The stunt went well outside the venue, but when the driverless valet button was pressed during the big presentation inside, the car just sat there. Eventually, after a Faraday tech jumped into the car and adjusted some settings, the car pulled itself into the designated spot, but it wasnt enough to stop the headlines from calling it a fail.Insiders later told Jalopnik the mistake was basically due to the demo model not being properly calibrated. Chalked up to technical difficulties, I guess, but maybe a run-through next time, Faraday? Acura NSX gets GT’dDespite Acuras best efforts, there was at least one moment during the big 2015 Acura NSX reveal at the Detroit auto show when those in attendance were more focused on the also-then-brand-new Ford GT supercar.Driving’s Jil McIntosh recalls the event.“Ford’s booth is right across from Acura, and as Acura was starting up the video for the debut, which had Jerry Seinfeld driving, Ford chose that moment to push the GT along the hall to its booth, behind the hundreds of writers who were waiting for the NSX — and who then turned around to look at the GT instead.” “I later asked a Ford rep (about it), who said the timing wasn’t coincidental.”Intiniti’s QX Inspiration fails to launchThere are bad starts, and then there are non-starts. With crowds building in anticipation of the reveal at the 2019 Detroit auto show, Nissan’s luxury brand couldn’t get its new concept started to get it on stage. Technicians were seen fussing around the electric SUV, which blew through its scheduled reveal time and left attendees instead watching janitors mopping the floor. The QX was eventually dragged on stage and revealed officially later that day, but by that time, a lot of the first-impression headlines had already been printed. Dodge Ram cows outChrysler pulled a brilliant stunt at the 2008 Detroit auto show, opening the event and unveiling its new Dodge Ram in the middle of a herd of cattle being pushed up the street by cowboys on horseback.amp;McIntosh, who was in the crowd once again, remembers one moment where the bovine presence backfired slightly. “The Dodge Ram cattle drive in front of Cobo Hall went well, until one steer decided to hump another in the middle of the road … the guy doing the announcing caught it beautifully and said, ‘Looks like someone’s really excited about the new Ram!’”“I was standing right at the barricade, looking to the right. Fortunately Lou Ann Gosselin from Chrysler Canada was beside me looking to the left, and saw a steer coming by. If she hadn’t grabbed me and pulled me back, I would have gotten a horn in the
Origin: These car debut fails were absolutely cringe-worthy
North American Vehicles of the year 2020: And the winners are… among these finalists
2020 Chevrolet Corvette StingrayHandout / Chevrolet Los Angeles, CALIFORNIADiscreetly opening the Los Angeles Auto Shows doors sorry, the doors of AutoMobility LA the North American Car, Utility and Truck of The Year committee unveiled this morning its nine finalists for 2020.From 46 eligible vehicles this year, and 26 semi-finalists voted on in September, the candidates have now been reduced to nine contenders, three in each category.Without further ado, heres which models (all-new or substantially new and available at dealerships before the end of the year) have caught the 50-journalist-jurys attention.2020 Car of the Year finalists: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray; Hyundai Sonata; Toyota Supra2020 Utility of the Year finalists: Hyundai Palisade; Kia Telluride; Lincoln Aviator2020 Truck of the Year finalists: Ford Ranger; Jeep Gladiator; Ram Heavy DutyThe LosersThe German manufacturers. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and VW-Audi-Porsche did make up more than a third (18) of the 46 eligible contenders (six for BMW, eight for Mercedes and four for VW) but none made it to the final cut.Check Out All Our Latest Auto Show CoverageAlso, an unusually high-number of trucks were fielded in this years contest, with the Ford Ranger, the Chevrolet Silverado HD, the GMC Sierra HD, the Ram Heavy Duty and the Jeep Gladiator eligible. The finalists cut sent away both General Motors contenders.The AbsenteesDid you say electric vehicles are the future? Plug-in hybrids? Even Polestar 1, the first product out of Volvos brand-new perform-electric division, didnt make the cut.The (Possible) Winnerswill be announced two months from now, in Detroit.Yes, in Detroit. These coveted awards have been unveiled in the Motor City in January for the last quarter of a century, as the lead-off press conference at the North American International Auto Show.But remember: the NAIAS has this year been moved to June. So whats happening with the awards ceremony? After careful deliberation, the (NACTOY) jury arrived at an overwhelming consensus that continuing the partnership with the Detroit Area Dealers Association (DADA) and our January awards ceremony were the best choices for 2020, NACTOY President Lauren Fix said.So stay tuned for the unveiling, planned for the January 13.Past NACTOY Winners2019 Genesis G70 Hyundai Kona and Kona EV Ram 15002018 Honda Accord Volvo XC60 Lincoln Navigator2017 Chevrolet Bolt Chrysler Pacifica Honda Ridgeline2016 Honda Civic Volvo XC902015 Volkswagen Golf Ford F-1502014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Chevrolet Silverado2013 Cadillac ATS Ram 15002012 Hyundai Elantra Land Rover Range Rover Evoque2011 Chevrolet Volt Ford Explorer2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Ford Transit Connect2009 Hyundai Genesis Ford F-1502008 Chevrolet Malibu Mazda CX-92007 Saturn Aura Chevrolet Silverado2006 Honda Civic Honda Ridgeline2005 Toyota Prius Ford
Origin: North American Vehicles of the year 2020: And the winners are… among these finalists
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
These are the worst roads in Quebec, as ranked by CAA
Large deep pothole in Montreal street, Canada.Marc Bruxelle / Getty Earlier this year, nearly 21,000 Quebecers voted on what they felt were the ten worst roads in their province.Part of a yearly initiative by CAA to spurn various levels of government into road-fixing action, the organizations Worst Roads campaign seeks input from all road users, from cyclists and public transit riders to motorists.So buckle up and hold on to your poutine as we take a look at what the voters in CAA-Quebecs survey deemed the provinces most maddening macadam.The crew at CAA recognizes while every road listed deserves its spot in the top 10, dozens of others could just as well have made it into one of the top slots. Armed with the list, CAA-Quebec went to municipal and provincial authorities and asked them to make a pledge to repair the crumbling infrastructure, promising to report back on that progress. Spox for CAA assert that lists like these do often result in some form of roadwork, whether it be a complete repave or a hurried patch job. About eight months after last years list was published, one road was fully repaired while four more were currently under the steely gaze of a construction supervisor. Two more were on the provinces to-do list, meaning seven of the ten roads received attention less than twelve months after the list was written.Boulevard Gouin Est has been a perpetual habitant of these lists, having the dubious accomplishment of showing up every year since the lists inception. It landed in first spot this year, first spot last year, and somewhere in the top 10 at various other times. Running about fifty kilometres from Senneville in the west to Pointe-aux-Trembles in the east, it is said to be the longest stretch of road on the island. Work has started on it and will continue well into 2020.Here is the full list for those who wish to plug them into Waze as routes to avoid.Boulevard Gouin Est, Montreal Montée du Bois-Franc, Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard Chemin Craig, Lévis Rue Newton, Boucherville Boulevard du Grand-Héron, Saint-Jérôme Route 389, Côte-Nord Traverse de Laval, Lac-Beauport Chemin Cadieux, L’Ange-Gardien Chemin Saint-Henri, Mascouche Rang Saint-Martin, Saguenay Drive safe, kids and watch out for the
Origin: These are the worst roads in Quebec, as ranked by CAA
These are the worst roads in Atlantic Canada
A car hits a pothole on a city street, throwing up water and debris.Getty A favoured pastime of most Canadians, beyond sharpening their hockey skates and perpetually cursing the Leafs, is complaining about the state of our nations roads. Sure, some are in good nick, but most seem to have been lifted wholesale from rural Beirut or the Marianas Trench.Its no secret repair shops do brisk business fixing tires and completing four-wheel alignments in a good part of this country.CAA, the boffins wholl arrange for a tow truck to effect a roadside rescue or emergency extrication, have asked denizens of Atlantic Canada to vote on what they think are the ten worst roads in their region.Across the four provinces, New Brunswick has the dubious honour of housing the lions share of dreadful macadam on this list, with five roads making the cut. Newfound Labrador has three and Nova Scotia has two. Apparently, Prince Edward Island has great roads. Must be the starch from all those potatoes.Tripp Settlement Road (Keswick Ridge, N.B.) Waterford Road (Waterford, N.B.) Markland Road (Colinet, N.L.) Indian Meal Line (Torbay, N.L.) New Brunswick 905 (Petitcodiac, N.B.) Meadowville Station Road (Pictou, N.S.) Witless Bay Line (Trepassey, N.L.) New Brunswick 480 between Rogersville and Kouchibouguac (N.B.) South Uniacke Road (Mount Uniacke, N.S.) Pine Glen Road (Pine Glen, N.B.) According to CAA, its annual Worst Roads campaign provides a platform for Canadians to make roads safer by telling municipal and provincial lawmakers which roads need attention. It also helps governments understand that roadway improvements are a priority for all residents, not just gearheads with gasoline in their veins. As you may have surmised, each region of Canada gets to vote on its own list. Well profile others in the coming weeks. Every road in the four Atlantic provinces was eligible, regardless of surface type or length. All road users including cyclists, pedestrians, motorists and users of public transit were encouraged to cast their vote and make their opinion count.Because your author is apparently some sort of masochist this is news to me well be taking a comfortably-suspended luxury car on a tour to sample the vast majority of roads on this list. Look for that story to appear in the coming weeks along with a requisition for a gross of
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Audi’s forthcoming electric range will be built on the backs of these four platforms
MLB evo (e-tron), J1-Performance Plattform (e-tron GT concept), MEB (Q4 e-tron concept), PPE (Designmodell Sportback-Layout).Audi Audi is on a power surge that will see 30 new electrified rides launched by 2025. Ten will be plug-in hybrids like the upcoming Q5, A7 and A8 vehicles. The other 20 new products will be pure electric. This side of the future portfolio is based on four new platforms that will underpin everything from the outrageous e-tron GT to future SUVs like the Q4 e-tron, as well as new sedans, coupes and wagons.The first of the core platforms already sits beneath the Audi e-tron. The modular longitudinal platform or MLB evo will also sit under the e-tron Sportback thats set to be shown at this years Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The 95-kilowatt/hour lithium-ion battery gives the current e-tron a range of 400 kilometers.Moving ahead, the platform will be used for future SUVs and sedans with different outputs and battery capacities there will be two different battery sizes and electric motor outputs offered when the e-tron Sportback lands. The second J1 platform is a joint venture between Audi and Porsche. It was designed specifically for high-performance cars. Currently, it underpins the Porsche Taycan and will sit beneath the e-tron GT when it arrives.The concept car, shown at last years LA Auto Show, clearly points to the production version add door handles and remove the illuminated e-tron badge on the front splitter and you have the production-ready version. It has two electric motors with a combined output of 582 hp and 612 pound-feet of torque from rev one.The instant-on performance delivers a run to 100 kilometres an hour of 3.5 seconds. It also has a battery capacity of more than 90 kW/h. In a different move, the e-tron GT has two cutouts in the battery to make room for the rear seat riders feet. The e-tron GT also uses a new 800-volt system. This allows the charging times to be much faster than with a system with a lower voltage rating think Ohms law. This high-voltage system is going play a big roll in Audis future.Moving forward, derivatives with different electric motor outputs and battery modules with allow the future lineup to expand quickly. The third platform is the modular electrification toolkit, or MEB platform that underpins the upcoming Q4 e-tron. This platform, which comes from VW, represents the future of all Audi compact and mid-size pure electric models. Its a scalable architecture that supports SUV, sedan, coupe and wagon body styles. It will arrive with a rear electric motor, but allows for the addition of a second electric motor at the front. This gives it a quattro extension. As with the J1 platform, its designed to accommodate different electric motors and lithium-ion battery packs.As used in the Q4 e-tron, the MEB platform delivers the exterior dimensions of a Q3, but it has the interior space of a Q5. It will have 301 hp. There was no mention of battery size.The Premium Platform Electric or PPE is another joint Audi-Porsche venture and it will be used for future luxury cars arriving in 2020 and beyond. It is a rear-drive platform, but has the ability to accommodate a front electric motor, which, again, gives it quattro all-wheel-drive. Its a curious decision given Audis current crop of high-end sedans and SUVs arrive with standard quattro. The Audi e-tron GT Concept Audi The PPE platform is fully scalable it supports different wheelbases, track widths and ride heights so it will be used for SUV, sedan, coupe and wagon derivatives. Again, it uses the 800-volt electrical system.The PPEs dimensions and overhangs are shorter than those of the current gas engine models. The real plus is that as electric cars do not need a central tunnel to accommodate the rear driveshaft and exhaust system, theres significantly more interior space. Other features include active torque vectoring when there are two electric motors aboard, air suspension and available four-wheel steering.As envisioned, the sports car based on the PPE platform will be a low-slung speedster with a long wheelbase and an oversized wheel/tire package. While the secret concept shown at the mobility workshop was a pure design exercise, if the production model picks up the key styling cues, the future looks seductively
Origin: Audi’s forthcoming electric range will be built on the backs of these four platforms
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