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GM already sells 5000 different parts online, but now you can get almost any part the company sells delivered direct to your door or to your local dealer, directly on GM’s various brand websites.It’s not about saving you money on purchases—whether that’s new wiper blades or a personalization theme for your vehicle’s infotainment screen—but ensuring you have genuine GM parts and can get GM brands’ reward points for buying them.In the future, customers may order such things as over-the-air upgrades and even electric vehicles directly online from GM.General Motors is making it easier to buy replacement parts for its vehicles online. GM isn’t giving its new official parts portal a fancy name like CarBravo, the company’s new used-vehicle portal. Instead, the catalog of 45,000 repair and maintenance parts is simply being added to the automaker’s brand websites—such as Chevrolet.com, where GM has been selling some accessories online since 2015 and currently offers 5000 different products.Shipping to Your Home or the DealershipThe automaker is touting two benefits for people who buy their parts directly from the company, and cost savings isn’t one of them. Instead, GM says that shoppers can be certain that the parts are “original equipment ACDelco and GM Genuine Parts that are compatible with their vehicles” and that purchases made through the online catalogs will be eligible for Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC rewards programs. Ordered parts can be delivered to a home or buyers can get those parts shipped to a local participating dealer. More than 800 GM dealers will participate in this program, and GM said it expects that online sales of parts and accessories will become a $40 billion marketplace by 2030.

GM

You can see hints of GM’s overall plan in this move. By adding tens of thousands of parts to its online digital shopping sites, GM is expanding its digital storefront, a place where the automaker plans to sell not just these components, but also “accessories, digital products delivered over the air, and subscriptions through a single digital storefront,” the company said. In other words, today you buy an air filter, tomorrow you pay for some bonus safety feature for your connected car, and it’s all done through one e-commerce interface where your contact and payment information are already on file. Subscriptions and Digital UpgradesToday, GM requires subscriptions to access some parts of its connected services, including OnStar and the myChevrolet mobile app, but this segment of the industry is growing. GM offered up two examples of how customers could use the new digital store “to purchase upgrades such as improved capabilities for the Super Cruise advanced driver assistance system and personalization themes for in-vehicle screens.”

Future electric vehicle purchases could also be done entirely online as well. Last October, during its investor day, GM said it expects its annual software and subscription services could give the company “$20 billion to $25 billion in opportunities” in the future. “We are placing software and digital services at the center of every part of our business,” GM chief digital officer Edward Kummer said in a statement. “The future of GM retail lies at the intersection of digital and physical e-commerce. Whether it’s selling parts or vehicles, GM will meet our customers where it’s most convenient for them.”
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The eStream concept RV comes from Airstream parent company Thor Industries, and it has an electric powertrain developed by ZF.A pair of electric motors produce a peak combined output of 242 horsepower, and integrated batteries offer 80.0 kWh of energy capacity.The Thor eStream is just a concept, but it sure looks to us as though the maker is ready to start planning a production model.It’s no secret that towing affects a vehicle’s driving range. Thor Industries’ Airstream eStream concept attempts to offset this by way of an integrated electric powertrain. This concept camper packs 80 kilowatt-hours’ worth of energy by way of its batteries, which then feed a pair of electric motors (one at each wheel) that are capable of producing a maximum combined output of 242 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Those electric motors do more than just take some of the load off the powertrain of the tow vehicle; they also have a Move mode that allows the eStream to maneuver remotely.

Thor

Although the electric-assist tech is surely the eStream’s feather in its cap, the trailer’s ZF-developed powertrain is far from the camper’s only interesting bit. Credit its 900 watts’ worth of solar panels that feed energy to those aforementioned batteries, as well as various other systems. This feat allows eStream users to live off the grid for up to two weeks while maintaining many of the camper’s various electrically powered niceties. This includes the likes of the eStream’s voice- and touchscreen-activated climate and lighting controls, as well as its kitchen amenities and various entertainment equipment.

Thor

While the Thor Airstream eStream is officially a concept camper, it seems like an idea that ought to go into production. We imagine the mass-market eStream will wear a rather high price relative to other campers of this size, but we also think the model’s trick integrated EV powertrain and large capacity batteries offer peace of mind that’s worth its upcharge. Well, provided Thor doesn’t go too crazy with the sticker sum, that is.
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Volvo is updating its plug-in-hybrid powertrain found in the 60- and 90-series models.A more powerful electric motor and larger battery pack provide more horsepower and a longer electric driving range.This applies to the S60, V60, S90, XC60, and XC90 Recharge models.Volvo released details about an updated version of its plug-in-hybrid powertrain a few months ago, and it appears that these upgrades will be reaching U.S.-market Volvo models in the near future. The S60, V60, S90, XC60, and XC90 PHEV models, which are called Recharge in Volvo-speak, will benefit from a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery pack. Total horsepower will increase to 455 hp and electric driving range should increase by 13 to 16 miles depending on model, though official EPA ratings aren’t yet available.

The combination of a turbocharged and supercharged turbo 2.0-liter engine and an electric motor previously produced 400 horsepower in these hybrids (or 415 hp in the V60 Polestar Engineered), and the extra grunt is courtesy of a more powerful electric motor. The battery increases from a total energy capacity of 11.6 kWh to 18.8 kWh (Volvo hasn’t provided the usable capacity of the new battery) and estimated electric-only range is expected to increase to 38 miles for the V60 and 32 miles for the XC60 and XC90. Official EPA range estimates haven’t been released yet, but these 2022 Volvo Extended Range models are listed on the EPA’s guide for federal tax credits.Volvo will be using the “Extended Range” nomenclature to differentiate models with the updated powertrain, although we expect these models to replace the outgoing hybrids. We’ve reached out to Volvo for more information on these changes and will update this post as more details become available.
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Porsche unveiled the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo back in November and has now added base, 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S models for the low-slung wagon.A spokesperson for Porsche confirmed to Car and Driver that the U.S. market will only receive the Sport Turismo in GTS guise.Porsche says the Turbo S can hit 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, while the 4S has the longest range in the lineup at 309 miles on the European WLTP testing cycle.At the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche took the wraps off a new bodystyle for the electric Taycan called the Sport Turismo, essentially a Cross Turismo wagon without the “off-road” plastic cladding. At the time Porsche only showed a Taycan Sport Turismo in GTS trim, but now the German automaker has unveiled four more versions of the Sport Turismo: base, 4S, Turbo, and a top-dog Turbo S. Sadly, these new variants will not reach our shores.

Porsche

A Porsche spokesperson told Car and Driver that “the Taycan Sport Turismo will continue to be offered solely as a GTS in the United States,” citing its “optimal blend of performance and utility.” Still, we wish Porsche would bring us more gorgeous electric wagons, especially the all-wheel-drive 670-hp Turbo and 750-hp Turbo S variants. The base model, which sends 375 hp to the rear wheels with the optional Performance Battery Plus, would also be welcome stateside.

Porsche claims the Taycan Turbo S Sport Turismo will hit 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, slightly behind the 2.4-second 0-60 mph run we recorded in our testing of a standard Turbo S. The 4S model, meanwhile, achieves the best range of the lineup, traveling 309 miles on a charge based on the European WLTP testing cycle. The full Sport Turismo lineup will arrive in March for European customers, but we will have to make do with the 590-hp GTS Sport Turismo when it goes on sale in the U.S. in the first half of this year.
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Bring a Trailer has set another record for most expensive car sold.The 2005 Porsche Carrera GT sold for $2 million, and it did so with no reserve.This Porsche took the crown from another Porsche Carrera GT that sold earlier in January.Just two weeks ago, we told you that the online auction site, Bring a Trailer, had sold its most expensive car ever, a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT that went for a little over $1.9 million. That title has now been usurped. Another 2005 Porsche Carrera GT just sold for $2 million.

Bring a Trailer

Bring a Trailer

Whereas the earlier record-setting Porsche had 780 miles on the clock, this latest one had been driven just 250 miles. Against that, the $2 million Carrera GT is finished in GT Silver metallic, a more common color than the other car’s Guards Red. Then again, to our eyes, the silver car’s Terracotta interior is preferable to the red car’s black leather.

Bring a Trailer

Mechanically, of course, the cars are identical, with a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V-10 with dry-sump lubrication and an 8400-rpm redline; a six-speed manual transaxle; a twin-plate ceramic clutch; and rear-wheel drive. The Carrera GT also boasts a carbon-fiber central-tub chassis over which is stretched carbon-fiber bodywork.This later car benefits from a fresh, $18,000 service that included a new water pump, battery, belts, plugs, tires, and TPM sensors—so maybe that accounts for some of the $98,000 price difference versus the earlier car. Or maybe that just represents two weeks’ worth of price appreciation for under-1k-mile Porsche Carrera GTs.
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Our friends at Road & Track have a ton of new events coming up, and they (and we) want you to join in. Among them is their first one-day rally through the heart of Texas Hill Country, with stops at the Trois Estate, Marble Falls, and the iconic Blue Bonnet Café. It’s all going down June 25, 2021. We can’t wait.
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Here’s where to go for more information and to apply.Along the drive, we’ll be taking in the the flora, fauna, and natural beauty of what is dubbed the Peach Loop as country peach orchards, wildflowers, bluebonnets, and orange poppies brighten the roadsides. You’ll be able to tour and trail through Enchanted Rock, known for its mystical batholiths loaded with historical mystery and folklore, before stopping for a catered lunch at Trois Estate, a charming B&B stylized and inspired by San Miguel de Allende.We also plan for a pit stop at Marble Falls for award-winning pie, accompanied by tours of historical landmarks like Lake Marble Falls and Dead Man’s Hole. The day will wind down with a scenic drive back to Austin, with stunning views at every turn. The Texas Hill Country just outside Austin is home to a number of brilliant, flowing two-lanes that make an excellent test for even the finest sports cars. And their drivers. It’ll all be topped off with farewell remarks and a gift. If you’re interested, head on over to our dedicated experiences site for more information and to apply. Registration is open to Track Club Founders only right now, but stay tuned for public registration. Want priority access to all R&T events? We recommend signing up to join The Track Club today.

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Porsche has created a special edition of the 911 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Porsche Design, which sells luxury Porsche accessories. The 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design is based on the Targa 4 GTS and will come exclusively in black with Satin Platinum accents.The special edition will cost $197,200, and each car will be sold with an accompanying special edition watch.2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Porsche Design, the German brand’s product design studio which will sell you everything from a custom “Porsche Design” television to a $2000 leather jacket. The studio was originally founded by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche—best known for penning the 911—and put out its first product, the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 watch, in 1972. Now five decades later, Porsche is celebrating the anniversary with a special version of the 911 Targa called the Edition 50 Years Porsche Design. [image id=’11185ea1-a595-47f9-8d7b-ef9a9b0eece3′ mediaId=’5d783b92-971a-4dd4-a331-571c01583c7a’ align=’center’ size=’medium’ share=’false’ caption=” expand=” crop=’16×9′][/image]Using the 911 Targa 4 GTS as its base, every Edition 50 Years Porsche Design is painted black, referencing the Porsche Design Chronograph 1, which Porsche says was the first all-black watch. The special edition rides on staggered 20/21-inch 911 Turbo S wheels finished in Satin Platinum, with the same shade decorating the targa bar and the Porsche Design logos on the doors. The brakes are painted gloss black, while a “50 Years Porsche Design” emblem adorns the engine grille. Inside, F.A. Porsche’s signature is emblazoned on the center console lid and a silver, numbered badge signifies the limited edition’s rarity. The 50 Years Porsche Design logo appears on the headrests of the black and Cool Grey Sport-Tex seats, and the center marker on the GT Sport steering wheel and seatbelts are Slate Grey. The special edition also gets 18-way adaptive seats and the Sport Chrono package as standard. [editoriallinks id=’bcbf44cb-c289-47d4-8e5a-edd22f524d64′ align=’left’][/editoriallinks]The 911 Targa 4 GTS’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six is unchanged. Only 750 units of the 2022 Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design will be produced, and each unit will be sold with an accompanying watch, called the Chronograph 1–911 50 Years of Porsche Design, priced at $197,200 when it arrives at dealerships this spring. [poll id=’7aae15e6-d6c8-4870-b27f-6a5b0660d006_e4822c0d9c36e’ type=’text’ question=’Is the 911 50 Years of Porsche Design worth $197,200?’ answer1=’No way.’ answer2=’Yeah, it comes with a fancy watch!’][/poll]

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Winnebago unveiled the electric e-RV camper van concept at the Florida RV SuperShow.The e-RV concept uses the existing Ford Transit base vehicle but swaps its gasoline powertrain for an electric motor and an 86.0-kWh battery pack.Not only does the battery provide up to 125 miles of range it also provides power to run the concept’s interior appliances.Recreational vehicles rounded the corner into the electric era today with the unveiling of the Winnebago e-RV concept at the Florida RV SuperShow. Using a Ford Transit van as the basis of the concept, Winnebago and its powertrain partner, Lightning e Motors, swapped in an an electric motor and an 86.0-kWh battery pack.

While Winnebago did not release an estimated horsepower rating for the e-RV camper van concept, it did say that estimated driving range would be 125 miles per charge, which is significantly shorter than today’s EV passenger vehicles. But the Winnebago has a bed, a kitchenette, and wet bath with a shower, all home-style amenities you won’t find in a Tesla.

Speaking of amenities, Winnebago says the interior is decked out in sustainable materials, including rubberized cork for the flooring and wool wall trim that serves double duty as extra insulation. A high-speed Wi-Fi network is also incorporated into the e-RV’s design, which Winnebago says provides high data-streaming levels. Luxury travel trailer Bowlus offers a similar electric concept with its Road Chief line, but unlike the Winnebago e-RV, that camping trailer doesn’t run under its own power. Instead, the Road Chief’s on-board battery pack is utilized as a source of power for off-grid camping.For right now, the e-RV is merely a concept and Winnebago says that as battery technology evolves there’s a potential for additional range. The e-RV concept has an onboard charger that is capable of juicing the battery at an owner’s home, at public high-speed charging ports, or while plugged into shore power at a campground. According to Winnebago, the e-RV can charge up in about 45 minutes using a high-speed public charging station. Pricing for the e-RV hasn’t been announced but we expect the all-electric powertrain will increase the price beyond that of a traditional gas-powered Winnebago camper van when it eventually reaches dealerships.
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