Stoked & Bearded | Earl Stokes

2026 Cadillac Vistiq

by Earl Stokes | Jan 2, 2024 | Cadillac, EV, GM

The newest member of the EV lineup

As I stated before, Cadillac has begun taking back their crown as the American king of luxury and this is their newest member. The Vistiq is the third electric vehicle Cadillac has confirmed this year behind the 2025 Escalade IQ and 2025 Optiq. Offering a third row and seating for up to 7, this vehicle will place itself between the Lyric and Escalade IQ in the EV lineup. In my opinion, the Vistiq is the electric opposite of the XT6, even though the only comparison is its size and seating.

No details have been released about the vehicle yet, but we can assume. The smaller Cadillac Lyric (AWD) produces 500hp (375kW) and 450 lb.-ft of torque (610Nm). The larger Escalade IQ is set to have an estimated 750hp and 785 lb.-ft of torque with velocity max.

Here is a chart for reference:

HP/Torque

Lyric (AWD) 500hp – 450 lb.-ft

Vistiq ?

Escalade IQ 750hp – 785 lb.-ft

There is a nice size void between these numbers, but it seems the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq should not be short on power. As the fifth vehicle to join Cadillac’s EV lineup, it’s closest competitors as of now seems to be the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90.

“Cadillac EVs will cover most luxury SUV segments across critical global markets in the next two years.” said John Roth, vice president of Global Cadillac. As we approach worldwide deadlines for gas vehicle bans, Cadillac seems to have a bright future.

2025 RAM 1500, Good-Bye HEMI!

by Earl Stokes | Nov 14, 2023 | Stellantis

The new 2025 RAM 1500. Its updated exterior, added tech and new powertrain is the perfect revision. There’s lots to talk about but we’ll keep it short. 7 trim levels will be offered: from low to high end.

Tradesman

Limited

Bighorn

Rebel

Laramie & Laramie Longhorn

Tungsten

In addition is the long-awaited Ram REV Three engines will be offered.

An all new in-line 6-cylinder, twin turbo motor called the “Hurrican”, which comes in standard and high output variants. The standard Hurrican motor puts out 420hp and 469 lb.-ft of torque. The high-output motor produces 540hp and 520 Lb-Ft of torque. This is 145 more hp and 110 more lb.-ft of torque then the beloved 5.7L HEMI. The third option is the already available 3.6L Pentastar V6 e-Torque. Which produces 305hp and 269 lb.-ft of torque. With the right configurations, you can achieve a maximum towing capacity of 11,580 pounds and a maximum payload of 2,300 pounds. These motors will be sending power to the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.

Some high-end options to talk about is, of course, the 14.5-inch touchscreen, but for the first time a new 10.25-inch passenger screen with co-pilot is available. The front passenger can monitor the vehicle diagnostics, check your driving, watch a movie and access the exterior vehicle cameras at any time. Next gen level 2 autonomy and driver assist is available on the higher end models. A 23 speaker Klipsch audio system is a must have option and all this truck can be accessed via phone. Yes, a key fob is almost a thing of the past. Now let’s talk about the all-important Ramcharger.

The Ramcharger is not a model but a different power system. Available on all RAM 1500 models, the Ramcharger is equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar motor, but that’s just a piece of its power. With its own charging system, a liquid-cooled 92kw battery pack is paired with a 130kw on-board generator making the Ramcharger produce 663 HP and 615 lb.-ft of torque. Capable of launching 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds while still achieving a drive range of 690 miles. As if that’s not enough to win you over, this already impressive vehicle has a max payload of 2,625 lbs. and max towing capacity of 14,000 lbs. Charging this truck puts you at ease, it is compatible with:

Level 1 chargers
Level 2 chargers at 240 volts
Level 3 chargers at 400 volts

Capable of adding 50 miles of electric range in only 10 minutes via the level 3 charging at up to 145Kw. For public charging, the Free2move Charge App is available for customers to locate, activate and pay for charging sessions. Which will be up and running in January of 2024.

Cadillac Escalade is Electrified!!!

by Earl Stokes | Oct 9, 2023 | Cadillac, EV, GM

The Escalade IQ, an ultra-luxury large SUV we did not see coming. An ok vehicle, until you see it in person, it’s a work of modern art. Trust me, I know!

Available late 2024, this Cadillac SUV has a rather extensive list of features. So, let’s start with power.

Ditching the V8 we all know and love, the IQ is powered by the same 24 module, 200 kWh Ultium battery pack found in the heart of the Hummer EV. This battery pack is part of the body structure, helping provide strength and rigidity to the vehicle in the event of a crash. In regard to power, these batteries provide an impressive estimated 750hp and 785 lb.-ft. of torque. Even with those numbers, Cadillac expects 450 miles of range off of a single charge and 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds in velocity mode. When needing a charge, open the motorized charge port door with a touch and you will see the DC fast charging port. The IQ can gain up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes of charging at a public station. All this power is distributed to dual motors with 4-wheel steering standard.

Remember, this is still an Escalade, but a rather luxurious version of an already luxurious vehicle.

The IQ is a vehicle catered to the driver as much as the passengers, which we’ve seen a lot of top luxury automakers do recently, Rolls-Royce, BMW, Bently and Audi to name a few. Here are some features the driver can expect:

Head-Up Display
Available night vision with thermal imaging
Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
Rear Pedestrian Alert
Blind Zone Steering Assist
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
IntelliBeam Auto High-Beam
One pedal driving with variable regen
Cadillac Smart System suite of safety and driver assistance features

When approaching your Escalade IQ, the vehicle will recognize the key fob and open the driver door automatically. (I’m sure Cadillac will add the press brake and door will close feature.) Once inside, you will be graced by a 55-inch, pillar to pillar, curved, LED touch screen with amazing clarity.

The touch screen literally extends from the driver to front passenger door, wow! Adding to such luxuriousness, a large panoramic fixed glass roof stretches over the first and second row. Alot of vehicles sell you short of covering the second row, annoying, but not this vehicle. Now, a feature everyone can enjoy is the available 40-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system, yes 40 speakers! Which is part of the available second row executive package. With this package, you will also receive a pair of 12.6-inch infotainment screens on the back of the front seats and a rear command center screen on the center console with storable tray tables attached. Power open and close all 4 doors puts this Escalade on a higher level of elegance and sophistication.

Making this SUV ride like the executive suite it is, are Michelin 275/50T24 tires that were specifically designed for the Escalade IQ. For the consumer that likes to travel with a few items, golf clubs, groceries, a large e-trunk compartment where the engine would be, gives you 12.2 cubic feet of storage space. For reference, the trunk in the Cadillac CT5 is 11.9 cubic feet.

Currently 4 trim levels will be available, Sport 1, Luxury 1, Sport 2 and Luxury 2. With the EV race in full effect, Cadillac seems to stay in its own lane not worried about the competition and I think they are doing quite well. The Escalade IQ, the first fully electric SUV of its class, is estimated to start around $130,000. I can’t wait to drive this vehicle and all I can say is, watch out Rolls-Royce, America is making a comeback!

2024 Ford Mustang

by Earl Stokes | Oct 1, 2023 | Ford

The 2024 Ford Mustang is the seventh generation of the iconic pony car. Physically, it’s been upgraded in every way, but I won’t say it’s been redesigned, more-so, revised. Inspired by fighter jets which I think, worked out great!

A revised chassis is the big talk about this car. It’s the same chassis with the same wheelbase as the previous generation but has been revised and stiffened. Ford has fitted an all-new suspension setup and steering systems to improve its handling at high speeds. The Mustang Dark Horse, which is the most powerful and high-performance model, has far more chassis upgrades than the GT model.

Interior

An all-new interior enhances this completely revised pony. Common features of today like a heated steering wheel and heated and cooled seats are no brainers, but the seventh gen pony has been given special treatment. Ford has made the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, one large curved screen. Well, that’s what it appears to be. The gauge cluster is a 12.4-inch digital screen and the infotainment system is a 13.2-inch touchscreen. Which at first glance appears to be one massive 27-inch widescreen, well done Ford. Notable features you can find in these screens are selectable drive-modes which has different animations for each mode, selectable exhaust sound modes, track apps with customizable lay-out, and gauge cluster color selection. Speaking of gauge cluster colors, ford has taken out the time to make mustang lovers even happier behind the wheel. Not only are there preset cluster themes for different drive modes, Ford has also digitize the 1987-93 fox body gauge cluster themes, as a featured selection.

Powertrain

There are two engine options for the new 2024 mustang. The

GT fastback, GT convertible and Dark Horse, come with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 480 horsepower and 415-lb.ft. of torque at 4,900rpm. The Dark Horse, tuned to 500 horsepower and 418-lb.ft. or torque. This motor can either be connected to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The estimated fuel consumption for the manual transmission is 14 city/23 hwy/ 17 mpg combined. The automatic, 15 city/24 hwy/ 18 mpg combined. Keep in mind that these numbers are based of premium 93-octane fuel.

A 315-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine is available for the EcoBoost models with 350-lb.ft. of torque. There is no manual transmission option on this 6-cylinder engine, just the 10-speed automatic. This EcoBoost has fuel consumption estimates of 22 mpg city/33 hwy/ 26 mpg combined. Once again this is based of premium 93-octane fuel.

The redesigned 2024 Ford Mustang starts at $30,920. The 2024 Ford Mustang GT featuring the legendary 5.0 coyote V8 motor starts at $42,495. You can drive off in a Dark Horse which starts at $59,270. The Mustang is available in both hardtop coupe and soft top convertible body styles as usual.

A few more notable features worth mentioning, line lock, drag brake, launch control and rev match. You can also enjoy all these features in optional Recaro bucket seats.

Here our time with the 2024 Ford Mustang GT convertible:

New Cadillac Lyriq 2023

by Earl Stokes | Jul 24, 2023 | GM

The Cadillac Lyriq is an all-electric luxury SUV produced by Cadillac, a division of General Motors. It is one of the flagship electric vehicles (EVs) in Cadillac’s lineup and represents the brand’s move towards an electrified future. The Lyriq is designed to combine cutting-edge technology, luxury, and sustainability, catering to the growing market demand for electric vehicles.

Key Features and Highlights of the Cadillac Lyriq:

Electric Powertrain: The Lyriq is fully electric, meaning it is powered solely by an electric motor and does not rely on a traditional internal combustion engine. It offers emissions-free driving, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and a quieter driving experience.
Battery Range: The Lyriq boasts an impressive electric range, allowing drivers to travel long distances on a single charge. The range is an essential factor for potential buyers, as it determines how far the vehicle can go before needing to recharge.
Luxurious Design: As a luxury SUV, the Lyriq features a sophisticated and elegant design, both inside and out. It incorporates premium materials, modern styling, and advanced technology to create a comfortable and upscale driving environment.
Advanced Technology: The Lyriq comes equipped with the latest automotive technology, including a large infotainment system with touch controls, advanced driver-assistance features, and connectivity options that allow drivers to integrate their smartphones seamlessly.
Ultium Platform: The Lyriq is built on General Motors’ Ultium platform, a flexible and modular EV architecture that will underpin various future electric vehicles across GM’s brands.
Regenerative Braking: Like many electric vehicles, the Lyriq features regenerative braking, which recaptures energy during braking and stores it back into the battery. This technology helps to extend the vehicle’s range and improve overall energy efficiency.
Sustainable Materials: Cadillac has emphasized the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials in the Lyriq’s construction, aligning with its commitment to sustainability.
Future Charging Solutions: Cadillac has expressed its support for building charging infrastructure and promoting easy and accessible charging options for Lyriq owners.

The Cadillac Lyriq is a significant step for Cadillac as it enters the electric vehicle market. It represents the brand’s dedication to embracing new technologies and meeting the demands of environmentally conscious consumers. With its blend of luxury, advanced technology, and electric performance, the Lyriq aims to be a compelling choice for those seeking a premium electric SUV.