Good-bye Dodge Hellcat Engine

Good-bye Dodge Hellcat Engine

by | Jan 8, 2022 | Stellantis

The Hellcat engine as we know it will end, but the name may remain.

Brief History:

In 2015, an all-new supercharged variant of the already infamous HEMI engine was introduced to the world by the name of Hellcat. The Hellcat, (which is named after an American fighter aircraft from WWII called the Grumman F6F Hellcat) is a 6.2L V8 fitted with a 145cu super charger putting out 11.6 psi of boost which puts the engine at a mind blowing 707h.p. and can range up to 840h.p. This engine was the most powerful production engine ever put into a muscle car until the Dodge Demon was introduced with a 6.4L variant. Producing some of the most powerful vehicles on the road such as the Charger Hellcat, Challenger Hellcat, Durango Hellcat, RAM TRX and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Track Hawk.

Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis confirmed to Motor Authority that production will end sometime in 2023. The following year, Dodge will introduce an electric muscle car which they’re calling eMuscle and will present the production version in 2025. In the coming months Dodge is set to present a concept and reveal some specs of the new eMuscle. Some teaser photos were released over the summer that seem to have some retro styling. Kuniskis also said to expect a new plug-in hybrid which could be the rumored Hornet crossover.

For now, all we can do is enjoy the whining whistle of that beautiful super charger smacked on top of the Hellcat line-up. As we’re witnessing the end of loud, fossil fuel burners and entering a world of silent roads.

General Motors icon goes electric

General Motors icon goes electric

by | Jan 6, 2022 | GM

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

The Silverado is Chevrolet’s top model and possibly, General Motors most known vehicle. Most of us are nervous about this icon changing, but excited about future innovations. The Chevrolet Silverado is now going electric with some impressive features and stats you wouldn’t expect in a pickup truck.
A 24 module Utium battery pack powers this massive truck with an estimated range of 400 miles on a full charge. Standard DC Fast charging capability produces up to 350kw of power, which will add 100 miles of range to the truck in just 10 minutes of charging. Speaking of charging, the Silverado EV is capable of charging another electric vehicle via GM’s charge cord accessory.
For some excitement, the RST model features a ‘Wide Open Watts Mode’. This increases power to 644hp and 780 lb. ft. of torque. Giving the truck a 0 to 60 time in under 4.5 seconds even with the massive 24-inch rims attached.

Automatic adaptive air suspensions allow the truck to be raised or lowered 2 inches while independent rear suspensions give the truck a smoother, more capable ride. For added capability, four-wheel steering offers a turning radius of 42 ft. 2 in. All of these innovations give the Silverado the ability to tow 10,000 lbs. and carry a payload of 1,300 lbs. If you need help with towing, GM’s hands-free driver assist ‘Super Cruise’ features trailer assist. On the back of the Silverado EV is a 5ft. 11in. bed with a multi-flex tailgate.

 

This tailgate is an option on current Silverado’s and has 6 different positions that fit any need, a step, a table, a work bench and more. A 60/40 split multi-flex mid-gate sits between the bed and cabin to offer additional bed space when needed. This equates to over 9 ft in space and with the tail gate down, 10ft 10in. of bed space can be achieved.

 

When entering the cabin, you’re greeted by a 3D animation on the standard 17-inch diagonal infotainment screen. With an enabled device in your pocket the truck will automatically start upon entering, just click your seatbelt and drive. The driver has a 11-inch diagonal display and a 14-inch heads up display to see important information while keeping eyes on the road. This is possible via GM’s Ultifi system which will make its debut in the Silverado EV. A 7-gallon open space in the center console is a great place to store items as large as a lunch box with room to spare. GM shortened the front overhang and increased the space in the second row. The RST features a fixed glass roof and in return provides more head room.

 

 

The Silverado Ev work truck fleet models will be the first on the road in spring of 2023. Featuring 510hp, 615 lb./ft. of torque, 8,000 lbs. of towing and 1,200 lbs. of payload capability. After launch, GM will introduce a model with a max tow of 20,000 lbs. Additional lower range models will follow with a base starting price of $39,900 msrp. Expect the RST first edition fall of 2023 as a fully loaded model.

Organic Luxury…. Literally

Organic Luxury…. Literally

by | Jan 5, 2022 | Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX is a symbol of the future. This luxury sedan offers more innovation than its great looks and is a real symbol of a green luxurious future.

The Vision EQXX is an electric sedan prototype that pushes the limits of today’s electric vehicles. Most notable, its capable of traveling 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) off of a single charge. Using less than 10kWh of energy per 100 Kilometers (62 miles). This is all possible because of the vehicles aerodynamic design. The front fascia is smaller than a Mercedes-Benz CLA and the rear wheel track is narrower, which allows the vehicle to have minimal resistance to the wind and a more efficient air flow.
To improve air flow for better handling and efficiency, the rose-gold magnesium rims are fitted with a transparent external cover. In return this prevents virtually all air turbulence. At the end, the Vision EQXX achieves a drag coefficient of 0.17, making the Vision EQXX more aerodynamic than the Mercedes-Benz EQS, which is currently the most aerodynamic production car in the world.
 

Mercedes-Benz is known for great interior designs and the Vision EQXX is designed with the future in mind. The infotainment system features the first seamless display in a Mercedes-Benz, spanning 47.5 inch across the entire dash in 8k resolution. To help navigate this gigantic screen and other features, an AI avatar appears on the screen at your disposal. The infotainment system is powered by a gaming interface, so the graphics are unlike anything ever seen in an automobile.

 

 

The interior uses a mixture of eco-friendly and organic materials. Carpet made with bamboo, door pulls made from vegan silk, seats from cactus and mushroom which feels like leather. Some of the most interesting material used in a vehicle to provide the luxurious space you expect inside a Mercedes-Benz.

Being this is a car of the future, efficiency is something we can go on and on about. We’ll keep it down to the most important parts. The EQXX has an energy efficiency of 95%, which means 95% of the energy stored in the battery reaches the wheels to move it down the road. For comparison, current electric vehicles supply on average 77% of power to the wheels while gasoline vehicles 12% – 30%. Pushing this concept ahead of modern EVs.

Instead of making the battery bigger, Mercedes-Benz improved the density of the energy stored inside to exactly 200-watt hours/kilogram. Which takes up 50% less space and weighs 30% less than similar sized batteries. To aid the consumption of energy, 117 solar cells are integrated into the roof and provides enough power to add up to 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) of extra range.  The designers at Mercedes-Benz seem to not care about the competition as they come up with these unique and earth saving designs. I can’t wait to see what comes out of the advancements of this Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX.

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Affordable Luxury

Affordable Luxury

by | Nov 9, 2021 | Mercedes

Mercedes has always been a status symbol for the rich. Now days, they seem to focus on affordability.

Mercedes Benz GLC

A year ago, we had the opportunity to spend time with this quietly amazing compact luxury SUV and its worth bringing up again. Check out the video here. > 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC AFFORDABLE luxury!! – YouTube

The 2021 model has a starting price of $43,200, $200 more than a BMW X3 and $100 less than a Audi Q5 which are its closes competitors. Our demonstrator (pictured above) is a GLC 300 4Matic which adds a couple grand to the price tag before options.

Standard Features

The GLC comes standard with a 2.0L inline 4 turbo engine, pushing out 255 h.p. and 273 .lb-ft. of torque. For a smooth ride, Mercedes attached a 9G-TRONIC 9 speed automatic transmission with DYNAMIC SELECT and shift paddles on the steering wheel to add a little fun. All of this is supported by Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Comfort and convenience is what you expect in a Mercedes. This compact luxury SUV features:

  • Seating for 5

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control

  • Power heated front seats

  • Split Folding rear seats

  • Power Folding side mirrors

  • Power tailgate

  • Cargo cover

Comfort and Convenience

As you jump into the driver seat, you’re greeted by a pulsating engine start/stop button with a turbine design that makes you feel quite special. The 10.25′ touch screen display is crystal clear and impressively responsive. For a hands-free experience, Bluetooth technology connects your communication devices via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Mercedes me connect services gives you features such as satellite radio that comes with a complimentary trial period. Memory functions for the driver seat and steering column allows you to save your favorite seating positions so you won’t have to adjust ever again. This GLC is also standard with Voice Control, make calls, send text messages and navigate address, all by giving a command. If you don’t feel like reaching the touch screen or giving voice commands, a touch pad sits on the center console that is at an arm’s reach. This pad can be used as a mouse with your finger and vibrates upon clicking. These standard features are enhanced by Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which is artificial intelligence technology that caters to you. It can recognize your handwriting on the touch pad, allows you to wake up voice command by voice, and the ability to ask your Mercedes questions, just to name a few. For your convenience, rain-sensing windshield wipers monitor your view on the road along with a rear window wiper/washer. Roof rails are also standard.

Safety and Security

  • New Vehicle 4-year/50,000-mile warranty

  • 24-hour Roadside Assistance Program

  • Advanced Airbag – Protection System

  • Anti-theft Alarm System

  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

  • Brake Assist System (BAS)

  • Adaptive Braking Technology

  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

  • Attention Assist

  • PRE-SAFE Predictive Occupant Protection System

  • Crosswind Stabilization

  • Blind S

  • pot Assist

  • Active Brake Assist

  • Rearview Camera

  • Automatic Light Sensing Headlamps

  • LED Daytime Running Lamps

  • LED Headlamps

  • LED Tail lamps

  • LATCH/ISOFIX Child Restraint System

  • Rear Door Child Safety Locks

Option list for our demonstrator (pictured above)

  • 19inch 5-Spoke rims

  • Scorpion Verde 235/55 R 19 All-Season Tires, Run Flat tires

  • Panorama Roof

  • Burmester Surround Sound System

  • Illuminated Star

  • LED Logo Projectors

  • USB-C Adapter Cable

  • Parking Assistance Package: active parking assist, surround view system and hands-free access

  • Premium Package: KEYLESS-GO, Sirius XM radio, 64-color ambient lighting and illuminated door sills

Fuel economy is pretty average for this size vehicle with a combined gas mileage of 24 mpg, 21 city and 28 highway. As of 2021, the government 5-star safety rating for this vehicle is 5 stars based on risk of injury in a side impact accident and 4 stars for risk of rollover in a single-vehicle crash. There was no overall vehicle score for this vehicle at the time.

All of this for a grand total retail price of $50,655.00 (not including destination and delivery charges).

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

by | Oct 12, 2021 | Ford

    Update: Ford has suspended reservations for the F-150 Lightning as it nears 200,000.

Ford F-150 lightning and more on our YouTube: Motor Bella – North American International Auto Show 2021 – YouTube
The Ford F-150 as they like to call it “the truck of the future” is in such high demand that Ford is not taking anymore $100 reservations. This fully electric pick-up truck wowed us at Motor Bella and there is so much to talk about.

Let’s start with this fun fact, the F-150 Lightning will power a house…. yes, an entire home for 3 days and up to 10 if you use your power wisely. Ford Intelligent Backup Power has the ability to offload 9.6 kilowatts of power via an 80-amp Ford Charger Station Pro and home management system. Once power is restored to your home, the truck will automatically revert to charging its battery.

Standard on base trim levels is 2.4 kilowatts of power while the Lariat and Platinum trims come standard with 9.6 kilowatts of power. Those figures are a combination of up to 2.4 kilowatts available in the fronk (front trunk) and up to 7.2 kilowatts through outlets in the cab and bed. That’s enough power to support tool, TVs, laptops, speakers and everything you need for a great tailgate party. Inside your power open and close fronk, water-resistant liners cover the 14.1 cubic foot space so feel free to use this storage for food, drinks or two sets of gulf clubs. With 4 electrical outlets, 2 USB ports and up to 400 pounds of payload capacity, this bumper height clearance front will provide luxuries for work and pleasure that you’ve never dreamed of having.

Ford offers two battery options, a standard 230 miles of range and an extended range of 300. There will be 4 ways to charge:

                                                                                                                                 Standard battery   Extended battery

· Ford mobile charger 32-amp                                                                                         14 hours             19 hours

· Ford connected charge station 48-amp                                                                         10 hours            13 hours

· Ford charge station pro 80-amp                                                                                    10 hours            8 hours

· Electrified America DC fast charging station 150 KW                                                    44 minutes        41 minutes

The battery is secured inside a waterproof casing surrounded by crash absorption protection and has temperature tested in -40 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure reliability. The liquid cooling systems and underbody metal skid plates, protect both the battery and Dual in-board motors. This truck is just as capable as a traditional gasoline pickup.

Quicker than a Ford Raptor, 563h.p. and 775 lb. ft of torque, makes this electric stallion the quickest F-150 ever produced. With 4×4 standard, Ford introduces the F-Series first independent rear suspension which will give the Lightning a more stable and in control ride. 4 drive modes: Normal, sport, off road and tow/haul will ensure your truck is performing exceptionally. This performance is also possible because of Ford’s all new frame that uses the strongest steel ever put into an F-150 frame and supports a max payload of 2,000 lbs. and up to 10,000 lbs. towing capacity. All of this is wrapped in a high-strength military grade aluminum alloy body.
 

 

 

The technology on this truck is advanced and expansive, so we’ll talk about key features. The big thing for most of us is the touch screen. Ford will offer a 15.5-inch touch screen on the Lariat and Platinum trim levels with a 12-inch instrument cluster. Here you’ll find features like onboard scales, which uses sensors to instantaneously estimate how heavy your payload is. Since hauling trailers, machinery and other cargo can increase your battery usage, those same onboard scales are integrated with Ford’s intelligent range. This will give you an accurate estimate of how far you can travel. While we’re talking about hauling, the F-150 Lightning introduces Ford’s available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, which gives you automatically controlled steering, throttle and brake inputs to make hitching trailers easy.

 

Available on the Lightning is Ford’s Co-Pilot 360, featuring Blue Cruise tech. This allows you to operate your truck hands free on more than 100,000 miles of pre-qualified highways across the U.S. and Canada. Animated graphics on your infotainment screen will show how the vehicle is performing in hands free mode. This also monitors your battery range and how well you bring power back to the vehicle through regenerative braking. Which uses energy from braking to charge your internal batteries, possibly prolonging your next charge.

 

Making sure your F-150 Lightning features stay up-to-date, Ford’s Power-up software will send most updates over-the-air, like a cellular device. Improving tech, adding features and fixing issues without a trip to the dealer. Ford also says most updates will be completed in under two minutes, so this shouldn’t affect your day.

 

Another new feature to mention is Ford’s Phone as Key technology. When activated, customers can lock, unlock and start their truck without taking their phone out or having the key fob on them.

The Ford F-150 Lightning has a starting MSRP of $39,974 before any tax credits are applied. The XLT which is a mid-trim level, starts at $52,974 before the same credits are applied.

 

To see the F-150 Lightning and more, visit our YouTube: Motor Bella – North American International Auto Show 2021 – YouTube