Car Blog Writers

2020 Chrysler Voyager First Look

By Leave a Comment

FCA isn’t content with their award-winning minivan lineup. Consequently, they’ve added the 2020 Chrysler Voyager to the mix. This family vehicle adds value and is designed to fit within a tight budget. Let’s grab a closer look at this new Chrysler minivan.

2020 Chrysler Voyager
Chrysler

2020 Chrysler Voyager

This minivan has room for seven passengers and features some exciting standard equipment. Drivers gain access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and other connectivity options. Furthermore, Voyager also comes complete with mobility innovations for wheelchair users.

FCA US was the first company to release a minivan. Since then, they’ve innovated 115 firsts for the segment. In fact, the company sold more than 14.6 million vans since 1983, which is twice as many as any other manufacturer.

The Chrysler Voyager replaces two Pacifica models: the L and LX. This lineup comes with three model options – L, LX and the LXi which is available for fleet customers only.

As a result, the LXi contains UltraTec leatherette seats and second-row Stow ‘n Go. It also has remote start, black Stow ‘n Place roof rack, second-row retractable shades, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and universal garage door opener.

2020 Chrysler Voyager interior
Chrysler

Voyager Specs

All models contain the Pentastar V6 gas engine which produces 287 horsepower plus 262 pound-feet of torque. This pairs to a TorqueFlite nine-speed auto. The available SafetyTec Group comes with numerous safety features that today’s drivers desire. It includes blind-spot monitoring, ParkSense rear park assist plus Rear Cross Path Detection.

Standard equipment includes a 3.5-inch information display, Uconnect 4 with a seven-inch touchscreen and six-speaker sound system. Customers have the choice between six exterior color options and three interiors.

The Chrysler Pacifica was listed as Cars.com 2019 Best of Award Winner. Do you believe the Voyager will have the same appeal, or do you think it’s going to be a flop? Let us know your thoughts about this new minivan option from Chrysler.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tarek, The Beetle Replacement

By Leave a Comment

With the Volkswagen Beetle making its exit and a new generation of automobiles beginning, what kind of vehicle could possibly replace this legend? The only car we could think of would have to be a compact crossover. Volkswagen agreed and chose the 2021 Volkswagen Tarek to replace the Beetle.

2021 Volkswagen Tarek
Volkswagen

2021 Volkswagen Tarek

On July 9th at the Puebla, Mexico Volkswagen factory, the last Beetle came off the assembly line. After 80 years of being one of the most popular and longest produced Volkswagens to ever hit the roads, it will not be easily forgotten. The name will go down in history as the people’s car.

The same factory that produced the Volkswagen Beetle underwent a redesign to meet the needs of constructing the Tarek. This new compact crossover SUV is going to be much like its Chinese counterpart, the Tharu. Volkswagen will take the Chinese version and adapt it to be a stronger and rougher model built for the US market.

Tharu Engines

Vehicles like the Tharu are often underpowered when built for the Chinese market. The standard 1.2-liter gas engine only produces 116 horsepower. You can opt for the 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 150 horsepower for some more pep. Volkswagen also offers the 2.0 Liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 186 horsepower. These engines all come paired to a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive only.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine may be powerful enough to quench the thirst of the US market. However, it would be nice to see AWD added to the options list.

The company is expected to begin production of the Tarek sometime next year. Dealerships will start to see deliveries in 2021 and will be marketed as a step down from the Volkswagen Tiguan in the lineup.

Let us know what you think about Volkswagen ending production of the Beetle. Does it make you glad or sad?

Bentley EXP 100GT All-Electric Concept Car Revealed

By Leave a Comment

Did you get to see the Bentley EXP 100GT concept car yet? The company revealed it for its 100th birthday celebration. It’s the sharpest looking all-electric vehicle we’ve seen yet. Speaking of the 100th birthday, make sure you take time to look at the walk down memory lane? The automaker did a fantastic job of telling its story. If you have a little extra time, make sure you check out the history video that’s posted on the site as well.

Bentley EXP 100GT
MotorSports Magazine

Bentley Electric Concept

This EXP 100 GT is dubbed “the Grand Tourer for the world of 2035.” It features four electric motors that push it to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. It also has a top speed of 186 mph. With Bentley’s projection of battery technology in the future, it’s possible that the car would have a 435-mile range.

Of course, it’s also set up for fully autonomous driving. Other features listed included:

  • Luxury craftsmanship
  • Copper-infused Riverwood
  • Exterior paint constructed from recycled rice husks
  • British Farmed Wool carpets
  • 100% organic textile made from leather-like winemaking material
  • Bentley Personal Assistant
  • Adaptable Biometric Seating

To fully appreciate this vehicle, take a look at this video:

All-Electric Bentley EXP 100GT

Honestly, it’s unlikely we will actually see this model in production. Still, we can’t deny the exceptional beauty and design. Calling this a luxury car would be an understatement of the highest proportions.

What we especially like is the all-electric design with other sustainable features. Bentley took a lot of time to put high-quality materials into this design. We appreciate how they look toward the future and plan accordingly.

What do you think about this all-electric concept from Bentley? We would love to hear your thoughts.

Plus, if you are a fan of these luxury vehicles, we think you might also enjoy the Bentley Bentayga V8 Design Series SUV.

2020 Jeep Wrangler Order Guide Released

By Leave a Comment

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler order guide is here! It brings with it some massive changes, according to Hot Cars. Let’s take a look.

2019 - 2020 Jeep Wrangler Order
Jeep

2020 Jeep Wrangler Order Guide

Various manufacturers began leaking order guides. This shows what’s coming with the upcoming model. Jeep hasn’t wasted any time, and JL Wrangler Forums was quick to post the details. The first thing we spotted was the price increase. Every trim goes up $250. A 2020 Wrangler Unlimited Sport has a starting price of $31,795.

The next change to look at is the engine options. There’s no additional cost to add an eight-speed automatic to the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Prior to now, it would have been an additional $2,000. Now, Jeep allows customers to purchase the turbocharged engine with a free transmission.

Of course, you have to pay $1,500 for this option if you purchase a Sport or Rubicon. But, it does come with electronic stop-start to provide more fuel savings. With a Rubicon model, expect to get hill descent control with your purchase. If you want the 2.0-liter turbo engine on a Sahara, it adds $2,000 to your bill but comes with the eTorque mild hybrid system.

If you opt for a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission on the Rubicon or Sport, you will spend $2,500. That’s an extra $500 than the 2019 model. The Sahara only costs $2,000 and an additional $1,000 is required for the eTorque.

Other Jeep Wrangler Options

We have news on some Sport trim packages as well. Choose from the Altitude, Sport S or Black and Tan. The later replaces the Moab and comes with tan cloth seats, aspects of the Technology Group, a Sunrider soft top roof and black trim on the instrument panel. The Technology Group comes equipped with dual-zone climate control, 17-inch painted rims, all-terrain tires, side steps and the seven-inch Uconnect infotainment system.

The Sahara features the same Altitude trim as the previous model while the Rubicon offers plenty of high-end features and group options.

The Sahara gets the Altitude trim as on the current year, and the Rubicon just gets a bunch of group options for various high-end features. We should see more announcements on the 2020 Wrangler by next month.

Now, if they could work out the death wobble on the new model, customers would be even happier.

Diesel Chevy Silverado With Highway Gas Mileage Over 30 MPG

By Leave a Comment

Chevy’s 2020 Duramax turbodiesel engine may get well over 30 mpg and be the first pickup to do so. Earlier this year, Chevrolet launched a 3.0-l Duramax 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine. We first thought it would come in the 2019 model. However, we now expect it for 2020 instead. EPA approval and testing delayed production. Let’s get a closer look at the Diesel Chevy Silverado.

diesel chevy silverado
Chevrolet

What to Expect: Diesel Chevy Silverado

This truck generates 460 lb-ft of torque and 277 horsepower, which beats Ford’s F-150 Power Stroke diesel since it’s only 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft.

Internal testing proves that the Duramax will average about 30-40 mpg driving at a highway speed of 50 to 65 mph. The automaker performed testing a few weeks ago at the motor speedway in Indianapolis. This testing didn’t have the EPA measures. Still, we see how far they came.

Chevy asked the general public to push their 3.0-L turbodiesel engine and many reported 40 mpg, while others got between 30 and 40 mpg.

We will see what the EPA says about Duramax’s engine mpg. It’s possible that it will get the same type of highway mpg as a mid-size sedan in the future. It may have the best payload and towing and if so the trucks are going to be very popular.

The price will be the downside of the 3.0-L Duramax engine. While this engine will be more affordable than the Ford Power Stroke, it remains relatively the same as the 6.2-L V8 engine. People may want this one though because of the reduced engine noise. 

The 2020 Silverado is slotted for this summer. 

Silverado Fans

Are you a fan of the Silverado trucks? If so, you might be interested to learn about the LEGO Silverado. We haven’t had the chance to see it yet but would love to get our hands on it. Let us know your thoughts on the diesel-powered Silverado.

2020 Ford Expedition: First Look

By Leave a Comment

The biggest Ford SUV has been completely redesigned for the 2018 model year after being on the same platform for over ten years. This spacious SUV didn’t have any considerable adjustments in 2019, so it is safe to assume it will be unchanged in 2020. With that said, let’s take a look at what to expect from the 2020 Ford Expedition.

2019 - 2020 Ford Expedition
Ford

2020 Ford Expedition Specs

This fourth-generation Ford SUV will be available in 2 separate sizes. The Expedition wheelbase measures 122.5″, while the Expedition MAX has a wheelbase size of 131.6″. Both are massive, dense and roomy plus share all of the trim levels and drivetrain configurations among them. 

The normal wheelbase Expedition has a starting price of $52,000 and the large wheelbase Expedition Max starts at about $55,000 with the base trim. The platinum models cost about $73,000 to $ 76,000. This body-on-frame SUV from Ford is more costly than GM competitors. However, it is well worth the purchase if you need an SUV as a people hauler. It’s also good to carry lots of cargo at the same time.

Every Expedition SUV comes with the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 engine despite the wheelbase size and trim level. This motor produces 375 horsepower and puts out 470 lb-ft of torque with most of the trim levels. The top of the line Platinum model offers 10 more lb-ft of torque and 25 more horsepower, giving it 480 lb-ft of torque with 400 horsepower.

Furthermore, every fourth-gen Expedition comes with a 10-speed automatic. Drivers chose whether it is a four-wheel or rear wheel drive model. The Expedition 4 wheel drive system comes from BorgWarner Inc. It features 4 unique selectable modes including a rear wheel drive simulator and a transfer case with two-speeds.

Remember that no measure of high tech elements can improve the fact that Expedition runs like the huge SUV it is. Customers who like this wouldn’t assume anything else.

What Do You Think?

Among other 2020 updates, we’ve also discussed the 2020 Ford Transit Van and the 2020 Ford Explorer. Do any of the new Ford models interest you? Let us know.

Extreme E Reveals the Odyssey 21 All-Electric SUV

By Leave a Comment

During the Goodwood Festival of Speed this past weekend, we got a glimpse of the Odyssey 21. This all-electric SUV took part in the Extreme E racing series. This beast features a 550 horsepower output that takes it from 0-62 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds. More importantly, it does this all while attacking gradients ranging up to 130%.

Let’s take a closer look at this new ride.

Odyssey 21
Goodwood

What is the Odyssey 21?

Spark Racing Technology designed and built this electric SUV. It includes a Williams Advanced Engineering battery. This vehicle also contains a niobium-reinforced steel alloy tubular frame, a raised suspension and humongous off-road tires supplied by Continental.

The prototype was the Extreme E base model. From there, teams were allowed to develop their own version of a powertrain and change the bodywork. Swapping the engine cover, rear bumpers, front bumpers, lights and side skirt is a seamless process.

Testing starts this September. Spark Racing Technology will deliver 12 cars next March for group testing. Then, Formula-E series racing should begin in 2021.

One thing is clear, there’s nothing like the Extreme E Odyssey. It features innovative technology from leading companies. It’s capable of the highest performance in any condition. In 2021, Extreme E goes to the Himalayas, Sahara, Indian Ocean Islands, the Arctic and the Amazon to push this vehicle to its limits.

Odyssey 21 extreme E
Goodwood

What Do You Think about this Electric SUV?

One thing is clear; this isn’t your typical electrified SUV like the Jaguar I-Pace. It’s something extraordinary. This monster is tough and doesn’t show any signs of weakness. We can’t wait to see how it changes over the next couple of years.

What are your thoughts on this new vehicle type? Are you interested in seeing more SUVs like this, or have you had enough of the electric hype? Tell us your thoughts – we would love to hear from you.

Lamborghini Urus is Now The Automaker’s Bestseller

By Leave a Comment

When the Urus first hit our doorstep in 2018, we weren’t sure how this SUV would fare. Now, we found out that the Lamborghini Urus sold more than the Aventador and Huracan combined. If you haven’t seen this beauty yet, now might be a good time.

Lamborghini Urus
Lamborghini

Stylish Lamborghini Urus

This sleek SUV broke every rule that Lamborghini stood for. It comes with a forced-induction engine, it is heavy, tall, big and has lots of space. With that said, Lamborghini surprised the world with this luxury SUV. Everyone that could afford to get behind the wheel wanted to. It has become the fastest SUV on the market, even beating the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio.

During the first year of sales, the Lambo Urus made up half of all the automaker’s vehicles sold. As time goes on, these numbers only continue to increase.

The largest markets for this performance SUV are America, Japan, Britain and Germany. The United States boasts of the most substantial growth. To continue growing, Lamborghini just invested in a new paint shop for the Urus. This shop remains at the Sant’Agata Bolognese headquarters.

Over the next few years, we expect the company to release some limited editions and possibly an updated version. Either way, it’s clear that the SUV craze is profitable, even for luxury manufacturers.

More Supercar Fun

A 2019 Lamborghini Urus starts around $200,000, which is still more than most drivers can afford. If you want a high-powered supercar but don’t want to break the bank, we have some other options for you. Check out our Top 5 Cheapest Supercars for an excellent selection.

We highlight the Porsche 911 Carrera, Cadillac CTS-V, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The truth is that you don’t have to go broke in order to get a vehicle that inspires you.

Tesla In-Car Sketchpad Updated & New Karaoke Feature

By Leave a Comment

Tesla released a new software update for the in-car sketchpad. At the same time, Elon Musk teased the release of a new karaoke feature and some further updates to the music app. Here’s what we know about the Tesla in-car sketchpad update and upcoming releases.

Tesla In-Car Sketchpad
TechCrunch

In-Car Sketchpad Updates

We first saw the sketchpad back in 2017 when it came with the Easter Eggs software. Tesla’s plan to create lots of fun in a car is where the birth of this feature came from.

At first, it was a basic feature. Now Tesla started rolling out software updates to make improvements. The upgrade version allows users to pick colors and undo multiple changes. To access your Sketchpad, just tap Application Launcher > Toybox > Sketchpad.

These updates came directly from Tesla owners. Eventually, the automaker hopes to introduce functionality to import and export images from a phone.

tesla interior
Tesla

Further Tesla Updates

Along with this news, Musk released statements about upcoming changes to the music app and a new karaoke feature.

Tesla has been working on its own streaming service. This might replace third-party services like Slacker and Spotify.

A car karaoke mode is also coming in Version 10 of Tesla-software update. We don’t know when that is being released yet, but it might also come with video streaming and new games.

Tesla is a busy company, always releasing new updates for consumers. Recently, we reported on new charger updates, the acquisition of Maxwell Technologies and the release of Tesla Insurance. Do you think the company spreads itself too thin or do you get excited about all the changes?

Tell us your thoughts and experience with the sketchpad. We would love to hear what you think about it. Be sure to also check out the dynamic brake lights being offered and the 2020 Tesla lineup.

1974 Porsche 911 Turbo Added to LEGO Speed Champions Line

By Leave a Comment

LEGO just announced the addition of a 1974 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 to the Speed of Champions miniature lineup. If you haven’t played with these cars yet, you are missing out on the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, McLaren Senna and a Challenger SRT Demon. There are even some classic cars in the lineup like the 1970 Dodge Charger R/T and 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback.

The addition of the Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 just adds more excitement to the brand.

1974 Porsche 911 Turbo
CarandDriver

1974 Porsche 911 Turbo LEGO Set

This car was better known as a Porsche 930. It was the first turbocharged Porsche production model. Initially, it debuted during the 1974 Paris Auto Show and grew in popularity quickly. It was fast, for its time but prone to oversteering. It also suffered from a massive case of turbo lag.

The 3.0-liter turbo flat-six pumped out 256 horsepower plus 243 pound-feet of torque. This paired to a four-speed manual transmission. Now, LEGO is going to sell the model for just $14.99. Have you ever been able to buy a Porsche for under $15?

The 180-piece LEGO set comes in all-white and has some authentic details. Notice the wide-brimmed fenders and unique rear spoiler. The windshield is removable for easy placement of the driver. Strangely enough, he sits in the middle instead of the typical positioning off to the left.

In total, the model measures five-inches long, one-inch tall and two-inches wide. It comes complete with three plastic cones so you can create a racetrack anywhere. LEGO plans to release the set on August 1st.

Adding This to Your Collection?

Do you plan to add the Porsche model to your growing collection? Maybe you can put it alongside the full-size LEGO Silverado truck we told you about. I have a feeling that my young boys might want to get their hands on the latest model, and I won’t complain. I might even have to take it for a little spin.

%d bloggers like this: