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.

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

Volkswagen keeps innovating, as the latest crossover was hinted at just a few days ago. The Volkswagen ID.4 will be an electric vehicle based on the ID CROZZ. It should be chock full of performance-enhancing features and design flair. The ID.4 was hidden in camouflage but looked a lot like the style and size of the CROZZ.

While we don’t have all of the details yet, our mind is still blown.

Volkswagen ID.4 Motor & Performance

The ID.4 should be very similar to the ID CROZZ, which debuted in 2017. The CROZZ is a crossover SUV with zero emissions. It comes equipped with an electric 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. It can handle any type of road and weather conditions, as well. There are two electric motors in the ID CROZZ. One of them powers the lead axle, and another one powers the rear. In addition, an electric prop shaft comes on the vehicle and is in charge of controlling the torque.

The battery is an 83-kWh lithium-ion pack. One battery charge should give a range of 310 miles. The motor puts out 225 kW and maxes out at a speed of 111 mph. As far as the charge load, the ID.4 should hold a maximum of 150 kW DC charge capacity. It will also incorporate a rapid charging system. The battery should be able to charge to 80% of its full energy capacity in just 30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

The Volkswagen ID.4 should be available in the U.S. market next year. It looks like a solid mix of sporty and tough. As a crossover, it should be able to handle harsh off-road conditions as well as perform well on the road. The fact that it is electric, with zero emissions, only further solidifies its status as a top contender.

What are your thoughts on this electric crossover vehicle? Is it worthy of bearing the new VW logo?

The Lamborghini Sian is impressive to look at. More importantly, is what powers this supercar. The Sian contains a hybrid powertrain equipped with supercapacitors. Let’s get the first look at this new Lamborghini supercar.

Supercapacitors

Supercapacitors are different than electrochemical batteries. In general, they are very efficient but don’t save enough energy to power something as energy-draining as an electric car.

The Lamborghini Sian is using supercapacitors now in a hybrid engine. As opposed to a lithium-ion battery, this hybrid system offers a unique power system.

The hybrid supercapacitor engine stores more energy and is lighter than “older” battery systems.

Engine Specifications and Performance

The Sian comes equipped with a V12 engine, outputting a whopping 819 horsepower. It claims to have a top speed of more than 220 mph.

This makes it one of the most powerful cars in the world today. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.8 seconds. The handling has been enhanced compared to the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. Its traction force has been upgraded. Additionally, the acceleration force has been uniformly improved. This means that the car will continue to accelerate aggressively through all gears.

Interior Features

The new Sian looks like a car from the future. It is similar to some of its concept cars, but it also borrows styling from the Terzo Milennio line. The car’s low profile works across all Lamborghinis,, including the Sian.

There is a digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. A high-tech infotainment system sits in the center console. The seats have a Poltrona Frau leather construction.

Final Thoughts

Sian means “flash” in Bolognese. This is a reference to the electric vehicle push that is in Lamborghini’s future. The Sian is simply a beast, and it looks like it will make quite an impact.

Speaking of Lamborghinis, have you checked out the contestant driving one in Hyperdrive? I’ve watched the series and found it thrilling, but I won’t spoil any details for you.

There is a new Ram in town. The Ram 1500 Night Edition looks intimidating and powerful. It also will offer many more features than previous models. The reason for the Night Edition name is the theme of its appearance. It comes with black wheels, black grille and black accents throughout its design features. Even the headlights and taillights have dark bezels to finish off the overall shadowy theme. The Night Edition will be offered on the Big Horn and Laramie trims.

Engine Specifications

The Ram Rebel, in which the Night Edition is available, is packed with power. It will have the third-generation EcoDiesel powertrain. It will offer a 3.0L V6, which will boast 480lb-ft. of torque and 12,560-pound towing capacity. Fuel capacity improves over previous Ram models. It should continue to be a powerhouse off-road, as well.

Interior Features

There will be extensive improvements to the interior of the Ram 1500. Look for a wireless charging system. Additionally, heated rear seats show up in this truck. The driver’s seat will be a 12-way power seat. On top of that, safety features will be upgraded. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control with powerful new safeguards that help drivers avoid rear-ending the person in front of them.

There will also be Lane Departure Warnings, to help notify drivers if they are drifting across lane lines. Finally, the Ram will come with automatic high-beams for night driving.

Want a 2020 Ram 1500 Night Edition?

This Ram looks like a mean truck. Prices remain reasonable. We expect to see it similar to the 2019 Ram model. Beyond the stylish enhancements, the engine will also be upgraded. With already capable off-road performance, the new Night Edition looks like a solid extension to the Ram lineup. What do you think? Is this a truck you could see yourself driving or don’t you see what all the hype is about?

We often talk about safety that is needed and others that don’t make sense – like the knee airbags, for instance. One thing we haven’t discussed is how many children continue to die from staying in a hot car. It is somewhat shocking how many stories can be found about children who were left alone in hot cars. To fix this problem, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of Global Automakers made a significant step towards child safety. They stated that rear-seat warnings and reminders will be featured on “essentially all cars and trucks by model 2025 or sooner.”

This effort should significantly impact the number of deaths and injuries among children who are left behind in vehicles. Let’s take a closer look at the technology.

Rear-Seat Warnings

Sadly, 53 children died last year due to heatstroke, after remaining in a hot car. This year already has seen 38 more children’s deaths due to heatstroke. That is a record-breaking pace.

The only positive about these tragedies is that there are more preventative efforts happening. The rear-seat alert reminds drivers to check the back seats. Sensors in the rear seats notice when weight remains on the back seats and the car is off. The infotainment system will then notify the driver to check the rear seats.

Several car companies have already introduced or plan on adding this technology. GMC has used it since 2016. Subaru plans to roll it out in certain vehicles beginning in 2020. Hyundai is planning on putting it in all makes and models by 2022.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers represents 70% of cars and light trucks in the United States. Many of the brands that we know – and that people buy – are part of this alliance.

Will the Numbers Drop?

Do you think this will make the numbers drop in deaths? Time will tell.

For years, there has been talk of a Jeep Wrangler Diesel model. It looks like the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Diesel will be that model. The diesel Wrangler should be here by the end of 2020, and it looks tough.

Engine Specifications

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler diesel offers a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 and is only available on the four-door model. Unfortunately for some, the EcoDiesel will only be available on the Wrangler Unlimited. However, the powerful engine comes on each trim level. The engine will output 260 horsepower and a meaty 442 lb-ft. of torque. This is close to the specifications offered from the newest Ram 1500 EcoDiesel but slightly less torquey. The EcoDiesel will be provided in conventional or eTorque hybrid options, so there’s plenty of selection.

Diesel vs. Gasoline Engines

The standard Jeep Wrangler engine offers a turbocharged inline-four 2.0L, with an output of 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. The naturally-aspirated 3.6L V6 puts out 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. 

Other Features

The 2020 Jeep diesel model has all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It will also include an engine start-stop system. There will be several differential configurations as options. In addition, fuel economy is greatly improved. As of now, the 2.0L inline-four engine offers 21 mpg, while the 3.6L V6 allows 20 mpg. Expect a much-improved range from the EcoDiesel.

Is the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Diesel Right for You?

We have all been waiting for this day to arrive. With significant improvements in engine performance and fuel economy, the EcoDiesel should be a big upgrade from the standard Wrangler. We expect a notable increase in the sales price on the diesel version, which is one downside. While restricted at first to just the Wrangler Unlimited, the EcoDiesel should soon expand to other Wrangler models.

What do you think about this new diesel-powered Wrangler? Is this something you could see yourself driving?

Electric pickups are preparing to head down the streets everywhere. While none are on sale yet, we know about several automakers preparing for production.

Here are the electric trucks you might see soon.

Rivian

We’ve told you about the Rivian R1T electric pickup before. This truck is planned for 2020 and will come with a starting price nearing $70,000. It has four-motor all-wheel drive, a 400-mile range, air suspension and 11,000-pound towing capacity. This truck reaches 60 mph in just three seconds.

Tesla

Elon Musk spends a lot of time teasing about their electric pickup, but it might be on its way down the production line. We expect the price to be under $50,000. The goal of the automaker is to have F-150 functionality with Porsche-like style.

Ford

The American automaker is wasting no time preparing an electric F-150 truck. We aren’t sure when it will hit showrooms, but we know it has the capability enthusiasts are looking for. The prototype recently proved the powertrain tows more than a million pounds.

General Motors

The company stated they have an electric truck in the works, but we haven’t heard anything else about it. We do know that the company plans to release 20 EVs by 2023, so it makes sense that a truck would be one of them.

Workhorse

This startup company wants to purchase the Lordstown, Ohio plant from GM to make an electric commercial pickup. While they have thousands of orders for the truck, they haven’t closed the deal quite yet.

Fisker

It’s not enough that the car company filed for bankruptcy, the California-based group wants to build an electric SUV and pickup by 2021. There’s no target for production and all they have now is a rough rendering.

Upcoming Electric Pickups

We will have our eyes open for any other electric-powered pickups making their way to dealerships. Over the next few years, one should be in every lineup.