Car Blog Writers

You are here: Home / Blog

Electric Hummer Might Enter Production

By Leave a Comment

There has been plenty of speculation, but we have some more reasons to believe that there might be an electric Hummer in the works. GM plans to start working on all-new electric pickups and SUVs, so it isn’t far-fetched for this to make the shortlist. Quite frankly, an electric-powered Hummer could be the next big thing.

electric hummer
Car and Driver

Upcoming Electric Hummer

GM is totally on board with electric vehicles. GM plans to invest $7.7 billion to make their new electric SUVs and pickups, along with enlisting UAW workers. This allows the Detroit-area plant to remain operational after being remade into a manufacturing facility for electric cars.

Other sources say that GM planned on revising the nameplate on the Hummer as part of their agenda to make and sell electric utility SUVs. They also say that the new Hummer concept might hit production as soon as 2021.

Their electric vehicle production program “BT1” aims to take a Tesla approach. It targets luxury car owners first. GM couldn’t gain more customers by selling cars like the Chevy Volt and Bolt. So instead they are trying to gain higher-end customers by selling higher-end cars.

BT1 hopes to provide an electric SUV for Cadillac and a pickup for GMC by 2023. However, they going to provide a pickup for a “different brand” which must be Chevrolet. After that, a performance model will be out for sale by 2021. This goes by the codename “Project O”.

Tesla, Ford and Rivian plan to have their own models by then. We expect GM to price their new electric trucks and SUVs between $90,000 and $100,000 but won’t know for sure until closer to the time.

Race for Electric SUVs and Trucks

Everyone is in a mad dash to get their model out first. Do you think that an EV-based Hummer can compete with Rivian and Tesla? Let us know in the comments.

An Electric Crate Motor for ANY Older Car?

By Leave a Comment

It’s not a new thought to convert a classic car to EV. There have been many companies trying to retrofit classic cars with EV drivetrains. While they have found success, it’s not a simple process. Trying to find the salvaged EV drivetrain is stressful in itself. If Swindon Powertrain has its way, the process will become much easier. Let’s look at their new electric crate motor that should fit into numerous vehicles.

electric crate motor
Swindon

Electric Crate Motor for Your Classic

The High Power Density EV powertrain is compact, yet mighty. It’s the same size as the drivetrain used in an EV-converted classic Mini, to give you an idea of how small it actually is. Considering it fits in the Mini, it shouldn’t have trouble going under the hood of anything.

This drivetrain measures 23.6″ wide x 17.3″ deep and 11.02″ tall. You can agree that’s tiny.

Additionally, it only weighs 154 pounds but produces 110 horsepower. It comes complete with everything needed to upgrade, including:

  • motor
  • cooling system
  • single-speed transmission
  • power inverter

This drivetrain also includes several mounting points. This allows you to put it on either axle of the vehicle. You can pair it with battery packs from a Tesla, Bolt, Lear or other EV in the junkyard.

Sadly, we can’t get our hands on one until June 2020 and we don’t know the pricing yet.

At first glance, it looks promising. We would personally love converting some classic cars to electric to keep them running. Imagine sticking one of these engines into an older Beetle. The question is, can you use two in the same car to create more power or all-wheel drive? We don’t have the answer to that yet.

More Electric Vehicle News

If you are a fan of EVs, you might be interested to learn more about the upcoming Tesla pickup truck. For something ideal for the urban streets, consider the Super 73-S1 electric bicycle instead. Truth is, there’s so much happening in electric vehicle news, it can be hard to decide what to follow first.

Stay tuned to CarBlogWriters to learn more about what’s happening.

2020 Dodge Barracuda: 5 Things We Know

By 1 Comment

Doesn’t everyone love rumors? This year is going to be the best year for people who love Dodge.
The very anticipated 2020 Dodge Barracuda is assumed to become the next leading muscle car out there. Car enthusiasts have been talking about what’s to be expected with the new model while people around the globe are wondering which will function best at the track: the SRT Challenger or the Plymouth. Let’s take a closer look at what we currently know about the new Barracuda.

2020 Dodge Barracuda
2020 Dodge

Dodge Barracuda Set to Replace Viper

The Dodge Viper was a fantastic brand for everyone, however, it stopped production in 2017. According to people on the inside, the Conner Avenue plant is set to be restructured so that they can use it to produce the Dodge Barracuda.

Powerful Engine

The brand new 2020 Barracuda will be available with a 6.2L or 6.4L engine that will come with a larger bore of about 105.4mm for a much longer stroke. With the correct fuel, the Barracuda should push out 800 horsepower. The new Dodge Barracuda will also see a top speed of 203 mph; that’s close to what the Viper achieved.

Projected Release Date

Were not even sure that there is going to be a Dodge Barracuda. It is important to remember that everyone talked about the Barracuda in 2007 and said it will come out in 2009. Then after that, we heard in 2012 that it was expected in 2014.

So now they said it will be out for 2020 but can we trust them? The Barracuda hopes to compete with the Ford GT and the Chevy Camaro. This time around, there are some leaked photos which is promising.

Starting Price

How much do you think the Dodge Barracuda will cost? We expect it to be affordable. The starting price should be about $26,000 which can be compared to the Challenger. The base model on the Barracuda competes with the Mustang and Camaro and will sell for $26,600 to $26,750. But, if you want the top of the line model you’re looking at $70,000.

Interior Features

The new Barracuda will come with a redesigned body. It has updated streamline curves and will be wider. A lot of time and money has gone into the design of the interior, unlike any other muscle car. The Barracuda will have a lot of components and features you wouldn’t expect.

The engineers included lots of different aspects like safety, luxury and an improvement in ride quality. These features update the comfort of the driver when cruising at higher speeds. We don’t know if a newer infotainment system comes inside the cabin yet.

Do You Want a 2020 Dodge Barracuda?

Do you think the Barracuda is worth owning? We have to wait and see if this is just another rumor or the real thing.

Tesla Pickup Truck Reveal Comes This November

By Leave a Comment

Elon Musk recently confirmed that the Tesla Pickup will be revealed next month. Up until now, we’ve only seen some vague images of this electric pickup truck. We know it won’t be a typical truck, but something out of a science-fiction movie.

Tesla pickup
Electrek

What to Expect from the Tesla Pickup

The company unofficially calls this truck the Tesla Model B. The initial push-back was related to the lack of charging stations, but Tesla has made great strides in this area. At the end of 2018, there were almost 1,375 Supercharger stations in the world, with more than 11,000 chargers.

We’ve also seen the image of a Tesla hauling a Ford F-150 in its truck bed. This implied that the Tesla truck is better than the Ford favorite. It’s also expected to have at least six seats and provide up to 300,000 pounds of towing power.

Of course, this capability will cost. Right now, the estimated starting price of a Tesla truck is $49,000. We will also have to wait until at least 2021 before we get our hands on one. Here are the specs we do know so far:

  • Standard AWD
  • Self-Leveling Suspension
  • 500-mile range on a single charge
  • Semi-autonomous driving system

Electric Truck Competition

Of course, multiple automakers continue to race to debut their electric pickup. We have Rivian, Ford and GM all working on launching an electric pickup within the next few years. Over time, this should help to bring down the price as competition ramps up.

With so many people in the United States purchasing trucks, there seems to be a good market for these companies. Now all that’s left to do is see who comes out on top.

What are your thoughts on the electric truck race? Is there one brand you would trust more than another? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Safety and Style Upgrades for the 2020 Mazda3

By Leave a Comment

This year’s brand new Mazda3 comes back better than ever with all-new safety and style improvements. Desiring to contend with other luxury models, Mazda’s workers have concentrated on providing extra safety features and designing a better suspension. This is all done as an attempt to heighten the brand. Let’s take a first look at what to expect from the 2020 Mazda3 in the upcoming lineup.

2020 Mazda3
Mazda

2020 Mazda3 Updates

This 2020 Mazda3 sedan now comes standard with Mazda Radar Cruise Control (including a Stop and Go system), Driver Attention Alert (alerts you if the driver is tired or not paying attention), Lane Departure Warning and High Beam Control. It also includes Lane-Keep Assist, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 16-inch alloy wheels, matte-finished grille, power windows (which now come with one-touch up/down system) and power-folding door mirrors.

A 2020 Mazda3 hatchback now comes standard with Apple CarPlay, i-Activ AWD (all-wheel drive), Keyless Entry, Android Auto, door trims, leatherette seating, shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel and rain-sensing windshield wipers. You will also find automatic dual-zone climate control, rear roof spoiler, black metallic front grille, power windows (now comes with one-touch up/down system) and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The all-new i-Activsense comes standard with these safety systems:

  • Mazda Radar Cruise Control
  • Driver Attention Alert
  • Blind Spot Monitoring, Brake Support
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • High Beam Control
  • Lane keep assist

All of these new safety systems on the 2020 Mazda3 sedan have raised this starting price at least $500 more than the 2019 model. That means it will be starting at $22,420. However, AWD models are set to start at $25,020. Furthermore, sedans only come paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The opening model on the Madza3 hatchback will start at $24,620. AWD models will start at $26,020, while ones with a six-speed manual transmission which will start at just $28,420. The top of the line premium AWD hatchback will have a starting price of $29,820. 

Drive a New Mazda3

Does this new Mazda3 appeal to you or do you prefer the 2019 Mazda3? Let us know your thoughts.

2020 Toyota C-HR Crossover Updates

By Leave a Comment

The new 2020 Toyota C-HR crossover features LED headlamps, new wheel designs and a new front fascia with some other awesome updates. Let’s take a closer look.

2020 Toyota C-HR
Toyota

2020 Toyota C-HR Specs

Besides the fact that this crossover is a compact, the size of this C-HR is 172 in. long with a 103 in. wheelbase causing it to be a wonderful city car. This model features updated LED headlights, honeycomb grille, spoiler, fog lights and front bumper. However, features for the LE trim include custom made 17 in. wheels but there are 18 in. wheels on the Limited trim.

The C-HR has a dual-overhead-cam and a 2.0-liter engine which produces 144 horsepower and 139 pound-ft of torque. This engine also has Toyota’s latest and greatest tech including Valvematic valve lift control and Variable Valve Timing (VVT).

They produce three trims LE, XLE and Limited, which all feature a whole new range of conveniences. They include Toyota Safety Sense P™ which is like putting Pedestrian Detection and a Pre-Collision System together. It also comes with Steering Assist with Lane Departure Alert, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams.

Even with all that, you still get a STAR Safety System which includes Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Anti-Lock Brake System, Smart Stop Technology, Brake Assist, Hill-Start Assist Control, rear backup cam and 10 airbags. Standard features on the XLE and Limited include Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitor.

New C-HR Style

As for the colors customers can expect, choose from Blue Eclipse Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, Black Sand Pearl, Silver Metallic Knockout and Magnetic Grey Metallic. Two optional colors to pick from are Hot Lava Orange and Supersonic Red. Customers can select from the all-new silver roof with the Black Sand pearl. However, the white roof is no longer an option.

Toyota has been boasting about the new grey headliner and the black leather on the seats, which is a fun combination. The chart-topping XLE shows black sport fabric. The 2020 C-HR also comes with Amazon Alexa (just like GM vehicles) and Android Auto that works with an 8-inch touchscreen to make things even more fun.

If you want to know more about the 2020 Toyota lineup, we’ve posted details about several other vehicles. Enjoy the specs on these models:

Is there a particular Toyota model you are interested in? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

GM adds Amazon Alexa to Vehicles

By Leave a Comment

General Motors announced new cars now come with Amazon Alexa. Many of the new vehicles now include this virtual assistant. All 2018 and newer Buick, GMC, Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles come with Amazon Alexa starting next year thanks to a software update. This was announced at the Amazon Devices Event.

amazon alexa
GM

Amazon Alexa in GM Cars

Now drivers can utilize Alexa commands to get directions, play podcasts or songs, control smart home devices, or call people with their phone.

GM hopes providing Alexa encourages customers to look at this brand. Last year, GM launched in-car delivery thanks to Amazon Key. This advanced package delivery system allows delivery drivers into your car or home. It allows them to leave packages instead of dropping them on the doorstep. This prevents theft. Other car companies already offer Amazon Alexa; these include Audi, Ford, Lincoln, Lexus, Toyota and SEAT. 

Connect Alexa in your car by installing a particular device. You can use Roav Viva Pro, Speak Music’s Muse, Amazon’s own Echo Auto or Garmin speak by plugging it into the USB port and set it up quickly with the app. This device allows drivers to use Alexa’s functions without any trouble.

Do You Need Alexa?

How do you feel about this new addition? Is it something that you have been hoping for from a new vehicle? Does it make you any more interested in a GM car, truck or SUV? If this is tech you are after, it won’t be long before every automaker includes it.

Speaking of Amazon, it seems that they are up to a lot lately. For instance, they just committed to buy 100,000 electric delivery vans from Rivian. It appears they plan on jumping further into the automotive industry, in one way or another. They even sell a pretty decent motor oil, if you are interested!

2020 Nissan Titan Debuts at Texas State Fair

By Leave a Comment

You know what all of us Texans love. A good state fair! You know what else we fancy? Big trucks! Nissan continues to throw its hat in the ring when it comes to a full-size pickup. In fact, we just got a good look at the 2020 Nissan Titan at this year’s Texas State Fair.

2020 Nissan Titan
Nissan

2020 Nissan Titan Specs

The new Titan is available in two cab styles. There is the small King Cab or the large Crew Cab. Other exterior styling updates include the prominent front grille, new lower fascia and available LED headlights. Opening up the tailgate also helps to show off the new four LED lighting system that shines across the entire bed.

Looking inside the Nissan Titan, we see some additional technology included. There is now a standard eight-inch center screen, but that can be upgraded to a nine-inch. There are also door-panel storage pockets, a panoramic sunroof and assist grips, on some models.

What we are most impressed by are the powertrain upgrades. The 5.6-liter V8 engine now pumps out 400 horsepower plus 413 lb-ft. of torque. That’s an additional ten horsepower over last year and an extra 19 lb-ft. This is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing last year’s seven-speed.

To complement the four-wheel-drive, there is an included off-road gauge. Of course, this truck also offers a low-range transfer case, hill-descent control and an electronic-locking rear-end.

If safety is your concern, you’ll be happy to know that there is plenty of additional technology, ready to keep you safe. Every model features eight airbags and the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This package of advanced innovations includes forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, reverse automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams and lane-departure warning. You can add in traffic-sign recognition,  a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control.

Ready to Drive This Truck?

We can’t say enough good about the improvements on the 2020 Titan. We are fans of the design, powertrain, safety upgrades and technology. Still, it’s hard to believe it will become more popular than the front runners. It’s hard to overtake the Ram 1500, Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado 1500.

Rivian Selling 100,000 Electric Delivery Vans to Amazon

By Leave a Comment

Amazon plans to purchase 100,000 electric delivery vans from Rivian. Jeff Bezos made the announcement during an event when the CEO was discussing climate change.

electric delivery vans
Rivian

Rivian Electric Delivery Vans

Bezos expects these Rivian vans to hit the road by 2024. Initially, the first round will start delivering in 2021. Up until now, we’ve only known about the Rivian truck and SUV.

Rivian remains a new name in the EV industry. While many people only heard about the business recently, they have been around since 2009. Initially, the company was founded to compete against Tesla. It didn’t take long for RJ Scaringe, the company’s CEO to redirect and target adventure-based customers instead.

This past year, Rivian made a significant push into fundraising. This campaign was successful, with them achieving plenty of capital. Even Amazon led a $700 million funding round but never commented on how much of that came from the company personally. After that, Ford announced another $500 million investment into Rivian. The most recent was with Cox Automotive who offered another $350 million.

Rivian Vehicles

Rivian boasts of two vehicles right now: the R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck. These are both on an identical technological platform. The vehicles start around $70k and should travel with a 400-mile electric range. The company also claims that these hit 60 mph in less than three seconds.

In addition to these two vehicles, we now know that a third is on its way – the Amazon delivery van. It shall be interesting to see how many other companies decide to employ this technology. It’s also curious to notice that in this instance, Rivian isn’t overly focused on the off-road market. Maybe they will have more success in creating commercial vehicles.

What are your thoughts on this new partnership? We know Bezos has been under a lot of pressure to implement more eco-friendly strategies, so this should make the employees happy.

New 2020 Car Model Trims

By Leave a Comment

We’ve spent time reviewing the new, refreshed and redesigned cars, but we haven’t looked at the new 2020 car model trims yet. Over the next few minutes, familiarize yourself with the latest versions of some great vehicles.

2020 car model trims
BMW

BMW M340i

The redesigned 3 Series debuted in 2019, now we get the M340i performance trim. It’s also available in all-wheel drive (M340i xDrive) to become the most potent 3 Series aside from the M3.

It features a turbo inline-six that pumps out 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This car comes paired to an eight-speed automatic. Standard features include a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, 10.25-inch touch screen plus the latest iDrive 7 operating system.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Ford

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

There are no sports cars quite like this. The Mustang Shelby GT500 is the most powerful production Mustang ever built by Ford. It’s going to arrive with more than 700 horsepower, helping it sprint to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

The styling doesn’t look much different, except for the two bold racing strips running down the middle. In addition, the large front grille is adorned with a Shelby Cobra logo. Sadly, you can’t get the model as a convertible.

 

2020 Kia Forte GT
Kia

Kia Forte GT

This model saw a complete redesign in 2019, but there’s a new trim coming anyway. The GT provides superior handling, an aggressive style and peppy acceleration. It pumps out 201 horsepower from the turbo four-cylinder engine. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual although the seven-speed automatic is available.

The company also added some safety tech, such as lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning and forward collision warning.

2020 Kia Stinger GTS
Kia

Kia Stinger GTS

The Stinger shocked the nation in 2018. That wasn’t enough for the automaker, they wanted to make it even better. This car has a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine that outputs 365 horsepower. It also has available all-wheel drive.

Enjoy the bright orange exterior with a few carbon fiber body components. A Stinger logo also replaces the current Kia logo on the trunk lid.

Lexus LC Convertible - concept
Lexus

Lexus LC Convertible

We saw the convertible concept of the Lexus LC at the Detroit Auto Show. It’s available with either a soft-top or hardtop. It comes with the exact 5.0-liter V8 engine that pumps out 471 horsepower in the LC coupe. There aren’t a lot of details about this model yet, but we can’t wait to see more.

2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition
Lexus

Lexus RC F Track Edition

While the current RC F comes with a 467-horsepower V8 motor, the updated model sees a jump to 472 horsepower. While it doesn’t add a new powertrain, it does feature some aerodynamic properties that help it reach 60 mph in less than four seconds.

2020 Mercedes AMG A 35
Mercedes

Mercedes-AMG A 35

The A-Class debuted in 2019 and comes with a new trim already for 2020. Thankfully, it’s an AMG model. The AMG A 35 sedan features a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumping out 302 horsepower. That comes paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, this car really shines. There are three AMG displays, leather upholstery plus an AMG steering wheel. Standard features include the same as the A 35 with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, five USB ports and dual-zone automatic climate control.

2020 Toyota Avalon TRD
Toyota

Toyota Avalon TRD

TRD badging comes to the Avalon. It is similar to the Camry TRD that we will talk about in a moment. It comes complete with 19-inch wheels and specially tuned shock absorbers, plus it was lowered more than an inch.

This model features a 3.5-liter V6 that outputs more than 300 horsepower. It also has dual exhausts, black synthetic leather upholstery and TRD accessories.

2020 Toyota Camry TRD
Toyota

Toyota Camry TRD

The Camry TRD showcases a sporty side to this sedan. It features 19-inch wheels and has been lowered to reduce the center of gravity. It also comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 301 horsepower. This pairs to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

We especially enjoy the black exhaust that’s specially tuned. This doesn’t just look fantastic but offers a gravel sound. Furthermore, the aerodynamic body kit adds a rear diffuser, rear spoiler plus a front splitter.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Toyota

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The new hybrid model offers 50 mpg combined for maximum fuel savings. It’s powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors. This produces 121 horsepower. There are also plenty of safety features to keep you protected. It comes with lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control and road sign assist.

Other standard features include an eight-inch touch screen, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatch
Toyota

Toyota Yaris Hatch

We’ve seen a lot happening with the Yaris, ending out our 2020 car model trims. In 2018, it was brand new. Then, in 2019, there were some updates to the trims and names. Now, we get the brand-new hatchback. This too will be built by Mazda.

The power comes out of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that provides more than 100 horsepower. While it’s not overly powerful, it does provide 40 mpg on the highway, making for an ideal commuter car. Inside, there are plenty of features. Enjoy a seven-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Beyond 2020 Car Model Trims

Make sure you check out the other articles in our new 2020 car series.

%d bloggers like this: