More stories

  • in

    2021 Porsche Taycan's New RWD Base Model Is Way Cheaper

    Porsche has introduced a new rear-wheel-drive base model to the Taycan electric sedan lineup.
    The new Taycan is powered by a standard 79.2-kWh battery and a rear permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor that makes 402 horsepower, though a 93.4-kWh battery is an option.
    The base Taycan starts at $81,250, and its EPA-estimated range will be announced by spring.
    Porsche has added an entry-level Taycan model with rear-wheel drive to its electric sedan lineup, and it will arrive in the U.S. in the spring starting at $81,250. The base model shares its rear motor with the $105,150 all-wheel-drive 4S model, and it’s also 215 pounds lighter.

    Porsche

    The base Taycan is equipped with a 79.2-kWh battery pack and permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor that powers the rear axle and produces 402 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. A 93.4-kWh battery is also available that increases output to 469 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Porsche claims a zero-to-60-mph sprint of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph for both configurations. The top-dog Taycan Turbo S has 750 horsepower and reached 60 mph in 2.4 seconds during Car and Driver testing.

    Porsche Taycan vs. Tesla Model S: The Test

    Porsche Taycan Beats Model S in Max-Charging Test

    Porsche Taycan Costs a Lot More than Tesla Model S

    Both units support DC fast charging, and regenerative braking is standard. Porsche didn’t release range estimates, so we don’t yet know how close this rear-wheel-drive base Taycan comes to the Tesla Model S. However, the heavier Taycan 4S with the same 79.2-kWh battery achieves only 199 miles of range. With the 93.4-kWh battery, its EPA-estimated range is 227 miles, the longest of any Taycan. The cheapest Model S currently available, the Long Range Plus, costs $10,630 less than the base Taycan and has an EPA-estimated 402 miles of range.

    Porsche

    Porsche’s adaptive dampers are standard across the board, including the base model, with an air suspension available. A set of 19-inch silver Taycan aero wheels with black calipers (pictured above) are standard on the base Taycan, while the 4S model is differentiated by polished wheels with black spokes and red brakes. The 20- and 21-inch wheels are also available on the base model.
    Standard tech includes Apple CarPlay capability, Apple Music, Plug and Charge automatic payments, over-the-air updates, and three years of free Electrify America charging, plus a 19.2-kWh onboard charger and a head-up display. The 2021 Porsche Taycan is available to order now and will arrive in the U.S. in the spring.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    Chevy Bolt, Bolt EUV Unveiling Announced for Feb. 14 in Latest Teaser

    Chevrolet will unveil the 2022 Bolt EV and Bolt EUV on February 14 with the help of Walt Disney World.
    In a video about the news, the automaker teased an image of the back of the Bolt EUV.
    The 2022 Bolt and Bolt EUV will be available this summer and are part of GM’s huge electrification strategy.
    Nothing says romance like cuddling up on Valentine’s Day in front of the computer and watching two Chevy Bolts be unveiled with some help from Walt Disney World. That may be what GM was going for as it announced today that it would unveil the 2022 Chevy Bolt and 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV electric vehicles on February 14.
    This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    The announcement was accompanied by a video of the little girl who unleashes Tinker Bell’s sorcery upon the street lights of a neighborhood while sitting in the back of the Bolt EUV. Before the conclusion where the city is lit up by the magic following the Bolt EUV, the rear end of the EV is shown off. In the image, we get our best look at the tailgate and rear lights. As expected, the EUV crossover seems taller than the current Bolt. In August, GM released a silhouette teaser that shows off the relative size difference of the two upcoming vehicles.

    GM Teases 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV with Video Clip

    Chevy Bolt EUV Signature Lights Teased

    Chevy Shares Video of 2022 Bolt EUV’s Interior

    How Disney will play a part in the unveiling isn’t yet clear. The release accompanying the video does mention that the unveiling will “show how magic can take place when the imagination is electrified.” So it’s probably a good idea to expect a lot more Tinker Bell when the two vehicles are finally shown off in full to the public.
    GM has been teasing images of the Bolt and Bolt EUV for months ahead of the February event. The automaker has been building hype not only for these vehicles but for its overall electrification plan to launch 30 new electric vehicles by 2025. The EV push even resulted in the recent redesign of the automaker’s logo, which sort of looks like a plug going into a wall. GM says the blue color is meant to represent “the clean skies of a zero-emissions future.”
    The 2022 Bolt and Bolt EUV are both scheduled to be available this summer.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    GM, Microsoft Team Up to Bring Cruise Robotaxis to the Street

    Microsoft is partnering with GM to help bring the automaker’s robotaxi startup Cruise’s autonomous vehicles to the road.
    The partnership is part of a wider investment and would see GM and Cruise use Microsoft’s Azure cloud and Edge computing platforms.
    A year ago Cruise unveiled its Origin autonomous shuttle and recently completed its first autonomous drive in San Francisco without a safety driver behind the wheel.
    Bringing self-driving shuttles to the streets clearly takes a village. Today Microsoft announced that it will be investing in and supplying technology to GM’s Cruise robotaxi service. Microsoft will be part of a group of investors, including Honda, that put more than $2 billion into Cruise, bringing the post-money valuation of the company up to $30 billion.

    Cruise Automation Unveils Self-Driving Vehicle

    Zoox Unveils its Autonomous Shuttle

    NAVYA’s Autonomous Vehicles Help Coronavirus Docs

    On the technology front, Cruise will use Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform and the company’s Edge computing platform to power the back end of the startup’s self-driving shuttles. By leveraging the power of Microsoft’s tech, Cruise will be able to scale much quicker than if it tried to build these systems on its own.
    The partnership also makes Microsoft a GM preferred cloud partner as the automaker scales up its artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities. “Microsoft will help us accelerate the commercialization of Cruise’s all-electric self-driving vehicles and help GM realize even more benefits from cloud computing as we launch 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2025 and create new businesses and services to drive growth,” said GM CEO Mary Barra in a statement.
    Cloud platforms and accompanying technologies allow companies to offload the processing power needed to tackle intensive tasks like AI and machine learning that make self-driving technology possible. “As Cruise and GM’s preferred cloud, we will apply the power of Azure to help them scale and make autonomous transportation mainstream,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a statement.

    Cruise

    But it’s not just about building a vehicle that drives on its own, GM also stated that the automaker will “explore opportunities with Microsoft to streamline operations across digital supply chains, foster productivity, and bring new mobility services to customers faster.”
    Cruise has been testing its fleet of specially outfitted Chevy Bolt EVs on the streets of San Francisco since 2016 as it tries to crack the self-driving problem. Recently, the company completed its first drive in the city without a driver behind the wheel in one of those Bolts. In January of 2020, it unveiled its Origin autonomous shuttle that will be the commercialization of these efforts. The vehicle will be built by GM at its Detroit-Hamtramck plant which has been renamed Factory Zero.
    For now, there’s no word on when the Cruise Origin will be on the streets offering up driverless rides to passengers powered by Microsoft’s services. What we do know is that GM is not alone in its efforts to offer up robotaxis. Amazon, Cadillac, and other companies with self-driving tiny buses are also trying to figure out ways to eventually transport us around town without a human behind the wheel.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    It’s Official: Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group Are Now Stellantis

    FCA and PSA Group have completed the merger announced in 2020, creating Stellantis, now the fourth-biggest automaker in the world by volume.
    Stellantis becomes the operator of 14 different brands, including Chrysler, Fiat, Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, and Citroën.
    The merger will allow the two companies to reduce research and development costs, particularly as the companies move toward electrification.
    PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have officially merged to create Stellantis, bringing together 14 vehicle brands across the globe. With the completion of a merger that has been in the works for more than a year, Stellantis becomes the fourth-biggest automaker in the world by volume and third-biggest by revenue. Now under the Stellantis umbrella are Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Lancia, and Maserati—thanks to FCA—as well as Citroën, DS, Opel, Peugeot, and Vauxhall, thanks to PSA.

    FCA and Peugeot’s New Company Name: Stellantis

    What FCA/PSA Merger Will Mean for U.S. Car Buyers

    Stellantis will be headquartered in Amsterdam and will have operation centers in France, Italy, and the United States. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares—the former CEO of PSA—said in a press conference today that this merger will allow the two companies to combine forces to create “highly effective” sibling cars as well as give the various brands the opportunity to rebound and grow.
    Currently, it’s unclear whether or not some of the 14 brands will be cut from the Stellantis portfolio; Tavares wouldn’t specify today. Nonetheless, questions have been raised on whether both Fiat and Chrysler will survive the merger, as both have struggled in recent years. And in the case of Peugeot, its return to the U.S. is now uncertain; in early 2019, it had been reported that Peugeot would return to American roads by 2026.
    A focal point for the new company is electrification and the number of electrified vehicles in its lineup. Currently, Stellantis has 29 electrified vehicles on the market—including both fully electric and hybrid vehicles—and will offer 39 by the end of 2021. Then, by 2025, Stellantis companies will produce “one electrified model for every newly launched global model,” the company said at a press conference today.
    Plans for the merger were first announced in October 2019 but were delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. Now that it has gone through, former FCA CEO Mike Manley will head operations in North America for Stellantis. The merger, according to Tavares, will save the two companies $6.1 billion in the coming years; 80 percent of those savings will be realized before 2025, Tavares said.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    2021 Nissan Armada Gets a Sharper Look, Starts at $49,895

    The redesigned 2021 Nissan Armada’s starting prices range $49,895 for the rear-wheel-drive base S model and topping out at $69,295 for the all-wheel-drive Platinum.
    Rear-wheel drive is standard on the Armada, but all-wheel drive is available for an extra $3000 on all models. All are powered by a 400-hp V-8.
    The 2021 Armada is on sale in the U.S. now.
    Nissan’s Armada full-size SUV has been renewed for 2021 with redesigned front and rear, including a bolder grille, and it’s also the first vehicle in the States to rock Nissan’s new logo. It also gets an updated interior with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen and wireless Apple CarPlay capability to compete with the new full-size utes from GM and Ford. A Midnight Edition package is newly available for $1990 to give the Armada a blacked-out appearance. The 2021 Armada’s base price is $49,895, up $1000 over the previous model year, while the 2021 Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe both have base prices just over $50,000.

    View Photos

    Nissan

    That price is for the base S model, which is an addition to the lineup for the 2021 model year and comes equipped with cloth seats, 18-inch wheels, and a four-speaker audio system. The former base model, the SV, now starts at $53,895, up $5000 from 2020, and includes heated leatherette seats, roof rails, two additional speakers, wireless charging, and a trailer brake controller.

    2021 Nissan Armada Gets a Modern Makeover

    2021 Nissan Armada Gets a New Look, Updated Tech

    The Armada SL costs $3600 more than the 2020 model at $57,295, and it’s equipped with leather seats, power moonroof, a Bose sound system, a 360-degree camera, and 20-inch wheels. The top-of-the-line Platinum model starts at $66,295 and gets quilted leather seats, rear heated seats, power reclining seats in the third row, a digital rearview mirror, and 22-inch wheels. The 2021 Armada Platinum is $2970 more expensive than the 2020 model.

    View Photos

    Nissan

    All 2021 Armadas are powered by a 5.6-liter V-8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission that was used in the outgoing model, but it now makes 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all Armadas, though all-wheel drive can be had for an extra $3000 on each model. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive models of the 2021 Armada can tow up to 8500 pounds, 100 more pounds than the Chevrolet Tahoe.
    The 2021 Armada is available on dealer lots now.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    Renault Kiger LED DRLs Teased – New Electric Car Prototype Unveiled

    2021 Renault Kiger SUV – Teaser
    Along with teasing the upcoming Kiger small SUV in production spec form, Renault has also revealed their new electric car prototype

    With global debut set for 28th Jan 2021, the new Renault Kiger has now been officially teased in production ready form. From the teaser image, it is clear that the production ready Kiger carries the LED DRL and projector headlamps from the concept which was revealed back in November.
    Kiger Debut
    With compact and subcompact SUVs being highly popular in the Indian markets, automakers are heralding in various models in this segment. Kiger will be based on the same platform as the Magnite, which has met huge sales success in India.
    The Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite will be produced at the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s production base in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu. The Kiger will enter the sub 4 meter segment wherein it will take on the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, etc in terms of competition.
    Renault 5 Electric Car
    Renault has unveiled its upcoming retro-styled electric car called ‘5’. Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car gives a look into the future small EV from Renault, which is set to go on sale by the middle of this decade. The car takes its design and styling cues from the R5 hatchback which was in production from 1972 to 1996. It is among the fourteen new models which are expected to hit showrooms by 2025.
    Renault 5 Prototype carries numerous references to the original model including the R5 Turbo versions and cult classic Supercinq albeit in a modern touch
    Seven of these fourteen models are going to be fully electric vehicles. The new concept blends with its namesake’s boxy proportions with a modern and contemporary design which includes high-tech displays, LED lighting signatures and sculpted side surfaces expected out of a modern car.
    Exterior Design Highlights
    Upfront, the B-segment concept car features LED headlight clusters flanked by the French brand’s diamond-shaped emblem with no radiator grille. It gets a clean front bumper which features thin square-shaped LED DRLs and ‘RENAULT’ in bold lettering.
    The bonnet air intake is neatly hidden with a charging hatch on the company’s logo on the front nose. The small impression of the French flag on its rearview mirrors shows its nationalistic pride.
    Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car
    At rear, the LED taillights feature aero flaps with an illuminated reflector strip running around the roof lining to the A-pillars which seem to pay tribute to Renault 5 models of the 1980s. Side profile’s centre of attraction are the large alloy wheels wrapped in Continental tyres.
    Overall, the concept’s design looks very clean and simple yet feels a modernised version of the original R5 with references such as boxy wheel arches, flat sides and a tilted C-pillar. There is also a nod to the original ‘5’ with impressions on its wheels, rear logo and side grid.
    Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car
    Other Details
    Details are very sparse at the moment with the automaker yet to reveal its expected specifications or even its interior images. All we know is that it will be based on a modular EV architecture that has been developed by Renault and its alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi. Dubbed as CMF-EV, this platform will underpin most small and medium-sized cars from the alliance brands, for instance, the upcoming Nissan Ariya crossover.
    While no definite timeline has been set for its production to commence, new Renault 5 Concept could replace the highly successful Zoe EV as the brand’s compact electric hatchback. The carmaker has also announced that its performance range of cars which will carry the nametag of Alpine, will be an all-electric range of cars and the 5 Prototype could very well be part of this lineup. More

  • in

    2021 Suzuki GSX S125 Debuts With New Colour Options

    2021 Suzuki GSX S125 LED Headlight
    Internationally, Suzuki GSX S125 locks horns with KTM 125 Duke, Honda CBR125R and Yamaha MT-125

    Suzuki has launched the updated GSX S125 for 2021 in international markets. The smallest member of Suzuki’s GSX family has received two new colour schemes. Apart from this, there are no other changes incorporated in the naked streetfighter either on its styling front or in its mechanical side.
    New Colour Schemes
    The new colour schemes added are- Triton Metallic Blue and Titan Black. Out of these two, the former is more dynamic and bolder while the latter is a more subtle option to consider. Body panels of the bike in Triton Blue scheme are dipped in blue paint with black graphics on its fuel tank along with yellow highlights on tank extensions.
    It also features a yellow coloured decal of 125 on its tail. Titan Black option, on the other hand, gets black as its base colour with blue accents all around the body along with blue alloy wheels.
    Apart from this, it sports the identical design to its predecessor. This includes an aggressive front end with LED headlamps and a sporty riding position with a low seat and rear-set footpegs. The tail section is upright hence the pillion sits at a very high position.
    2021 Suzuki GSX S125
    Features & Specifications
    In terms of features, it receives a fully digital LCD instrument cluster which provides basic information such as distance covered, speed, engine temperature, fuel level, average fuel consumption, oil change interval and gear position. It also offers a dual-channel ABS as standard. It rides on cast aluminium alloy wheels wrapped around by Dunlop D102 tyres.
    As far as its powertrain is concerned, it is powered by a 124cc single-cylinder, four-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine which kicks out 14.8 bhp at 10,000rpm and 11 Nm at 8,000rpm. This output is in the vicinity of 150-160cc motorcycles retailed in India like Bajaj Pulsar 150, TVS Apache RTR 160 and Hero Xtreme 160R.
    As far as hardware is concerned, it gets conventional telescopic suspension at front and a link-type coil spring at rear. It rides on 17-inch wheels with 90/80 and 130/70 profile of rubber wrapped around.

    Price
    The naked street racer can hold up to 11 litres of fuel. While GSX S125 is not available in India, if it was brought to our markets, it would have been a perfect rival to KTM Duke 125. In Japan, the latest iteration of the bike costs 382,800 Yen that is approximately INR 2.69 lakh. In India, Suzuki’s smallest entry-level bike is the Gixxer 155 which is retailed at Rs 1.15 lakh (ex-showroom). More

  • in

    TVS Launches Winner Edition Of Their Best Selling Two Wheeler – XL 100 Moped

    TVS XL 100 Winner Edition
    Winner Edition of TVS XL 100 is based on Heavy Duty i-Touchstart trim at a premium of Rs 1,600

    TVS has launched a special edition model of XL 100 called Winner Edition at Rs 49,599 (ex-showroom). With the addition of this new model, the Hosur-based two-wheeler manufacturer has a total of six variants of the popular moped, which is also their best selling product. It comes with a host of updates including cosmetic and feature-wise.
    XL100 Winner Edition could be easily distinguished thanks to its distinct Delight Blue paint scheme which is the only colour option available. TVS has also incorporated additional styling enhancements in order to make it visually attractive. It has also added a couple of useful features as well.
    Styling / Features
    In terms of styling, apart from a new colour, it gets dual-tone split seats which are said to give more comfort for rider and pillion. It gets an attractive beige colour on its seat and panels. It receives chrome accents on its exhaust shield and rearview mirror.
    Not compromising on its practicality, TVS has provided this Winner Edition of XL 100 with a larger metallic footboard which provides extra space for luggage.
    TVS XL 100 Winner Edition
    Speaking of features, it gets useful tech such as a USB charging port and an ergonomically improved handlebar. The Winner Edition is based on HeavyDuty i-Touchstart variant hence it also comes with an integrated starter generator system commonly called a kill/start switch. This system is said to conserve 30 percent of battery more than in a conventional electric starter system.
    Mechanical Specs
    Coming to its engine specs, it is powered by a 99.7cc motor which generates 4.3 bhp at 6000 rpm and 6.5 Nm of peak torque at 3500 rpm. This unit returns a claimed fuel efficiency of 80 kmpl. It rides on wire-spoke wheels while stopping power comes from 110mm drum brakes on both ends.
    Suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at front and twin shock absorbers at rear. It is extremely light on its feet at 89 kg and can carry a load of up to 130 kg. It offers a wheelbase of 1228mm and can hold up to 4 litres of fuel.
    With this, Winner Edition variant is the second most trim of TVS XL 100’s lineup. Apart from this TVS has four scooter models in its lineup including Scooty Pep Plus, Scooty Zest, Jupiter and Ntorq. The Hosur-based brand also introduced a new base variant of Jupiter at a price of Rs 63,497 (ex-showroom). Apart from this, all models of under TVS brand have undergone a price hike recently. More