More stories

  • in

    2024 Ford Mustang Has an Attitude and a Dash Full of Modern Tech

    The 2024 Ford Mustang rings in the seventh generation with more muscular styling and a tech-centric interior. (The 2023 model year will be carryover.)The Mustang still has a 2.3-liter turbo-four and a 5.0-liter V-8, but both engines are heavily updated for the new generation.Ford also introduces interesting features that include an electronic drift brake and a way to remotely rev the engine.It’s been almost 60 years since the original Ford Mustang was introduced at the 1964 World’s Fair. The rest is automotive history, with the Stang becoming an instant hit and basically inventing the pony-car genre. Now, after nearly six decades and countless iterations, the 2024 Ford Mustang arrives and signals the start of the seventh generation—and possibly the last gas-powered ponies.A More Muscular, Tech-Centric MustangSure, the seventh-gen Mustang’s design is more evolutionary than revolutionary, but its bodywork is entirely new and noticeably edgier than before. The previous generation was designed for a global audience, and the new one definitely preserves its predecessor’s attractive proportions, but now it gives off more muscular vibes. Its front end is squarer and said to be inspired by the original Mustang, but its new headlights, with their tri-bar LED elements, are a modern touch. Its three-bar taillights remain a signature detail, but they’re more pronounced than ever. The car’s hips are also wider, and the rear overhang is shorter.Without a doubt, the most dramatic difference between the new Mustang and prior versions is its interior. Gone is the classic “double bubble” dashboard design. Instead, the cockpit now contains a more driver-focused layout, one that’s dominated by digital displays. Most 2024 Mustangs have a massive glass panel that combines a 12.4-inch gauge cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen; the base model has the same size screens, but they’re separated. The new-look interior is a big break from tradition, but Ford said it’s intended to appeal to a younger demographic of people who grew up playing video games.All about the 7th-Gen MustangsVideo games like Forza Motorsport also inspired the animations and how users interact with the Mustang’s Sync 4 infotainment system, which Ford says has a new architecture that allows over-the-air updates and copious customization. Among the system’s many features is the ability to select different instrument-panel designs, including retro dials exactly like those on ’87–’93 Fox-body Mustangs. That’s super cool. Too bad there aren’t any other options from old-school Mustangs.Ford didn’t just make the new Mustang’s interior more tech-centric; it also improved the materials, something that plagued the previous generation. Not only can parts of the dash and doors be wrapped in leather-like materials, and other trim pieces wear a racy carbon-weave pattern, but all of the plastics are laser etched with a fine grain that looks more upscale.Next-Gen EcoBoost and Coyote EnginesThe 2024 Mustang continues to be offered as a coupe or convertible. Both body styles are also still available with an EcoBoost turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four or a Coyote 5.0-liter V-8. However, both engines have been heavily revised for the latest generation, and each can be identified by distinctive front-end details, such as the larger grille and air intakes on the V-8–powered GT models.The EcoBoost engine has the most significant changes, which include better packaging, new fuel-delivery and ignition systems, a higher compression ratio, and an updated turbocharger, among other enhancements. Ford says the updates make the four-cylinder more fuel-efficient and improve performance. While we’re told horsepower and torque figures won’t be released until closer to launch, we expect to see a slight boost to the EcoBoost’s current ratings of up to 330 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Sadly, the four-pot is now only offered with the 10-speed automatic due to low take rates for the manual transmission.The fourth generation of the Coyote engine adds dual throttle bodies fed by dual air intakes, a setup that Ford says provides better airflow and helps increase horsepower. We don’t yet know the engine’s exact output, but Ford says the updated V-8 is the most powerful one yet in a Mustang, so it should exceed the current version’s 480 horses and 420 pound-feet of torque. The 5.0 also receives a new steel oil pan that’s said to help improve oil flow and reduce friction. The driver’s-side exhaust manifold has been updated, too, and the camshaft timing on the exhaust side has been revised. The V-8 still comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, which Ford paired with a new dual-mass flywheel that is more robust. The 10-speed automatic remains an option, and it has minor updates meant to improve shift speeds and programming.Car and DriverFordOne of the interesting new features Ford introduces on the seventh-gen Mustang is called Remote Rev. As its name suggests, it allows people to remotely rev the engine using the car’s key fob, which seems destined to entertain adolescents and annoy older audiences. Remote Rev runs on its own pre-programmed sound and comes on any Mustang with the active exhaust system, except for manual-equipped models. Cue the sad trombone.Improved Steering and a Drift StickBy and large, the new Mustang has the same platform as its predecessor, with the two sharing an essentially identical 107.0-inch wheelbase. Still, Ford did tweak things by specifying aluminum for both front lower links on all cars, changing the design of the suspension knuckles, and updating the rear suspension links to units inspired by the Shelby GT350. The Mustang also has new spring rates and shocks that are said to better match each specific model’s ride and performance targets. Most notably, the steering system has been heavily revised with a new rack, a quicker ratio, and other changes that Ford claims make the tiller more responsive (20 percent, to be exact). The Mustang also now has a flat-bottom steering wheel with a thicker rim and a slightly smaller diameter.FordFordThe seventh generation has new brake packages, too, that go with the introduction of an electronic brake booster. Models with 19-inch wheels also have new Brembo six-piston fixed front calipers and four-piston rear clampers. More noteworthy is the new electronic drift brake—not to be confused with the “Drift Stick” Ford offered on the Focus RS. It comes on all Mustangs equipped with the optional Performance package. While it looks like a traditional e-brake lever, when drift mode is activated, it instantly locks up the rear wheels with four to five times more force than a regular parking brake. There’s no modulation involved. It’s a cool option, but perhaps one destined for Cars and Coffee infamy.Circling back to the Performance package, it’s available on EcoBoost and GT models. It brings extra bracing, a larger radiator and cooling fan, larger front and rear brakes, a Torsen limited-slip diff, thicker anti-roll bars, and wider rear wheels and tires. When it comes to rubber, Mustangs with the Performance pack now wear Pirelli P Zero PZ4 summer tires instead of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires; a set of Continental all-seasons are standard. With GT models, the Performance package also includes brake ducts and an auxiliary engine oil cooler. Regardless of what’s under the hood, opting for the Performance kit unlocks a set of Recaro front seats and MagneRide adaptive dampers. What’s neat about the latter is that they include what Ford calls Active Pothole Mitigation, which monitors the speed of the shocks and overdamps the system when it encounters a pothole. Yet another novel feature, and one that’s sure to come in handy for those of us who live in the Snowbelt.While Ford hasn’t yet announced how much the 2024 Mustang will cost, we expect its pricing to align with the outgoing versions, which currently start around $29,000 for the base EcoBoost model and top out at over $57,000 for the Mach 1. The new Mustang is set to go on sale next summer.This content is imported from poll. 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.Know Your ClassicsThis content is imported from OpenWeb. 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. More

  • in

    EV Charging Help Is on the Way: DOT Approves First $900 Million to Add Infrastructure in 35 States

    Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the first 35 states that will get money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that was signed into law in late 2021.That law approved a total of $5 billion to be spent on electric-vehicle chargers over five years, and that includes installation, maintenance and other services to keep things working.Under the BIL’s funding formula, Texas could get the biggest slice of the EV infrastructure pie, followed by California and Florida.The federal government has been talking for almost a year now about the $5 billion it will spend on improving electric vehicle infrastructure in the U.S. At the Detroit auto show today, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the first 35 states that had more than $900 million in funding approved for EV chargers that will end up covering 53,000 miles of highways across the country.Choosing and Charging an EV”Today, with funding in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are taking an important step to build a nationwide electric vehicle charging network where finding a charge is as easy as locating a gas station,” Buttigieg said, according to prepared remarks. “With the first set of approvals we are announcing today, 35 states across the country—with Democratic and Republican governors—will be moving forward to use these funds to install EV chargers at regular, reliable intervals along their highways.”The DOT’s infrastructure plan as of 9/14/22.U.S. Department of TransportationThe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that President Biden signed into law in November 2021 included a total of $7.5 billion for EV chargers and other alternative fueling facilities. Five billion of that was assigned to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. Under the NEVI program, states can receive funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for up to 80 percent of eligible project costs.What Does the Money Go For? Eligible costs here mean almost anything that has to do with getting EV chargers in the ground, including the “acquisition, installation, and network connection of EV charging stations,” for example, as well as maintenance of those stations once they’re in operation. NEVI also wants to make long-term EV charging station data more sharable, and any government funds have to be spent on charging stations that are non-proprietary and allow for open-access payment methods. The stations also have to be publicly available (or available to commercial drivers from more than one company) and be installed along designated FHWA Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). In short, this money is meant to help as many EV drivers as possible find places to charge. Today’s announcement covers just the first two-thirds of the EV infrastructure deployment plans from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. More EV charging funds remain to be announced, as the $900 million represents money from the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years, and the NEVI program continues until fiscal year 2026.The Funding Formula Favors TexasThe five-year NEVI program divides money by state using a funding formula that will see 12 states get more than $100 million in funding, with the state that stands to gain the most here being Texas. While any application from Texas has not yet been approved, the Lone Star State was allocated over $407 million in the NEVI formula. The second-place state, California, could get over $383 million, and the Golden State has had its initial funding request approved. Third-place Florida, which stands to get $198 million overall, has also been approved.”California is ahead of the game,” Scott Painter, the CEO of California-based EV firm Autonomy, told Car and Driver. “It already has the most EVs on the road and 30 percent of all public EV chargers. So it’s not surprising that Texas, given its size, population, and miles of highway, is getting a big bite of the funding. EV charging infrastructure to date has tended to follow EV registrations and state backing. The federal funding and distribution will help even out EV adoption by states and alleviate range anxiety which is one of the keys to consumer adoption.” You can see the full list of approved states here. This content is imported from OpenWeb. 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. More

  • in

    Queen Elizabeth II Designed Her Own Hearse with Jaguar Land Rover

    Queen Elizabeth’s coffin is being moved from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall in London today, where it will lie in state for four days, and mourners will be able to visit it to pay their respects.The coffin is being carried on the state hearse—the same one that will be used at her funeral next Monday. BAZAAR.com has learned the hearse was designed by The Royal Household and Jaguar Land Rover, and the queen was consulted on the plans and approved the final model before her death. The state hearse is finished in the shade Royal Claret, the same color as the official royal and state vehicles kept in the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and used by members of the royal family on official duties, per Buckingham Palace.DANIEL LEAL|Getty ImagesThe vehicle also features the late Queen Elizabeth’s personal royal cypher and was designed to allow members of the public to have a clear view of the monarch’s coffin as it travels from place to place.Anadolu Agency|Getty ImagesSince Buckingham Palace announced Queen Elizabeth’s death last Thursday, her coffin has traveled from Balmoral Castle in Scotland, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, to Buckingham Palace, and now to Westminster Hall. The royal family—including Prince Harry, Duchess Meghan, Prince William, and Princess Kate—came together this morning for the procession of the late monarch’s coffin. The funeral service for the queen will take place Monday, September 19. The queen’s final resting place will be St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where she will be buried next to her husband of more than 70 years, Prince Philip.The royal period of mourning will continue for one week after, per King Charles III. This story was originally published by Bazaar.com.This content is imported from OpenWeb. 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. More

  • in

    2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport Shows Its Chunky New Looks

    Honda has released far more revealing teaser images showing more of the 2023 Honda Pilot’s new design.There will be a TrailSport trim level with off-road-oriented tweaks.Honda says the Pilot will be revealed in the fall, meaning it should go on sale late this year or early next year.We’re now seeing a lot more of the new 2023 Honda Pilot thanks to new teaser images that show the SUV’s front and rear ends. Honda had previously shown a camouflaged version from afar, but these latest photos reveal much of the three-row crossover’s new design that includes a larger grille, squared-off headlights and taillights, and a new bright blue color.Pictured here is the TrailSport trim level, which was first introduced on the outgoing Pilot (and the smaller Passport) but will include more intensive tweaks in the new model. Honda says that additions will consist of all-terrain tires, skid plates, suspension modifications, and a more sophisticated all-wheel drive system.Open GalleryMore on the PilotAs for the broader 2023 Pilot lineup, we expect the familiar EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels to stick around. Three rows of seats will be standard, and the interior should get a significant overhaul with a new infotainment system, nicer materials, and a digital gauge cluster. We’re not sure of the new Pilot’s powertrain, but the current 3.5-liter V-6 may stick around, and a hybrid variant will likely be added.Look for more information to come soon on the new Pilot, as Honda says the reveal is planned for this fall. It will then go on sale either late this year or early next year, and we expect pricing to start around $40,000.This content is imported from poll. 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 imported from OpenWeb. 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. More

  • in

    2023 Chevy Tahoe RST Adds a Performance Package with More Power

    The 2023 Chevy Tahoe’s RST trim level will offer a performance package with extra power and chassis tweaks.An upgraded exhaust adds 13 horsepower and 7 pound-feet to the 6.2-liter V-8.The package costs $8525 extra and it will be available late this year.Perhaps Chevrolet is a bit jealous of the Ford Expedition’s Stealth Performance package, as the 2023 Tahoe full-size SUV will now be adding a performance package of its own. Available for the RST trim level, the Performance Edition adds an upgraded exhaust, suspension tweaks, and different brakes.The exhaust adds 13 horsepower and 7 pound-feet to the RST’s 6.2-liter V-8 engine, bringing totals to 433 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque. Springs, dampers, and an anti-roll bar borrowed from the police-spec Tahoe are also included, meaning the Performance Edition sits 0.4 inch lower than stock. Larger front brakes provide extra stopping power, and the calipers are painted red.ChevroletMore Big SUVsChevy claims improved performance metrics, including a 5.8-second sprint to 60 mph, a 124 mph top speed, and shorter stopping distances. We’ll see how it performs on our test track when we’re able to get our hands on one; it’ll have its work cut out for it matching the Expedition Stealth Performance’s 4.9-second 60-mph run.The Performance Edition costs $8550 on top of the 2023 Tahoe RST 4WD’s $66,595 base price. It also includes the Luxury package, which typically costs $3025 and includes equipment such as heated second-row seats, adaptive cruise control, and a heated steering wheel. Tahoes equipped with the package will arrive at dealerships in the last quarter of this year.This content is imported from poll. 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 imported from OpenWeb. 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. More

  • in

    1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

    This Mustang, up for auction on the Bring a Trailer site, marks the first chapter in the “Shelby Mustang” saga. This 1965 Shelby GT350 flaunts the optional Le Mans stripes and special alloy wheels. Dealer invoice shows a total cost of $3,888.04 in 1965; the current bid sits at $275,000, with the online auction set to end on Thursday, September 15.If the first cut is the deepest, then this 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is as deep as it gets. Like many automotive enthusiasts, I considered the Ford Mustang an absolute superstar in my childhood, and it was, in fact, my first favorite car. Of course, by the time I roamed this earth it had already become an American icon, and the name of Carroll Shelby was revered by gearheads and fanatics.Bring a TrailerThis specimen, located in Pittsford, New York, is currently up for auction on the Bring a Trailer online auction site—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos. It was refurbished in California before ending up with its current owner in 2014. It flaunts the period-correct Wimbledon White paint with the standard rocker panel strips and optional Le Mans stripes. A letter from Howard Pardee, Director Emeritus of Shelby American Automobile Club, supplements its authenticity. Before scrutinizing pricing figures and condition, let’s first revisit what the first ever Shelby Mustang actually was.Carroll Shelby’s legacy was well under way when the first of the Shelby Mustangs hit the scene in 1965. As explained in our instrumented test of the 1965 Shelby GT350, he and his crew set out to convert the Mustang fastback coupe into a street-legal version of a NASCAR stock car. Upgrades included a modified 289-cubic-inch V-8 with an output of 306 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, an array of chassis and suspension upgrades—such as Koni adjustable shocks, altered steering geometry, and an anti-roll bar along with torque-control arms—beefier brakes with 11-inch discs up front and drums in the rear, and 15-inch “mag-type” wheels. Of course, there were other enhancements, including closer ratios for the four-speed transmission, optional oil coolers, an extra-capacity radiator, and so on. Bring a TrailerAccording to documentation provided by the seller, the original dealer invoice shows a total cost of $3,888.04 back in 1965, which includes the Le Mans stripes as a no-charge option and “special alloy” wheels as a $214 option. For reference, the 1965 Shelby GT350 had a base MSRP of $4547. These figures are a drop in the bucket compared to the current bid, which sits at $275,000 as of this writing. If previous auctions are any indicator, the bids should continue to mount for this pristine-looking example, as another 1965 Shelby GT350 sold for $400,000 in September 2020, and a Shelby GT350R managed to fetch a whopping $875,000 in April 2022. Buying a piece of automotive history can actually be an extremely expensive feat.Car and DriverToday, we have a Shelby GT500 that puts out a monstrous 760 horsepower and can pull as much as 1.13 g’s on the skidpad. Suffice it to say that the original Mustang GT350 was the starting point of a legacy that is prized by today’s auto enthusiasts, and it’s still being written. From the C/D Archive: 1960sThis content is imported from OpenWeb. 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. More

  • in

    Top 10 Two Wheelers Aug 2022 – Splendor, Activa, Pulsar, Apache

    Top 10 two-wheeler sales in August 2022 improve by 11 percent – Hero Splendor continues to lead comfortably and consistentlyTVS ApacheTwo-wheeler sales, especially the big hitters, saw some movement in the top 10 sales list. In keeping with current trends, Hero Splendor leads from the front. Sales are reported at 2,86,007, up from 2,41,703 units YoY. Volume gain stood at 44,304 units at 18.33 percent growth. Among the top sellers, Splendor sales account for over 26 percent market share.Honda Activa sales continue to be the indomitable spirit of scooters. Sales topped out at 2,21,143 units, up from 2,04,659 units. Volume gain stood at almost 16.5k units at 8.05 percent growth. In the top order, Activa sales accounts for just over 20 percent of total sales.Top 10 Two Wheelers Aug 2022Honda takes the next spot on the chart with its CB Shine motorcycle. Sales however did decline at 7.53 percent. Down at 1,20,139 units from 1,29,926 units at 9,787 volume loss. Bajaj Platina sales were just shy of a lakh units. Sales was steady at 99,987 units at a marked growth of 76.61 percent. Sales is up from 56,615 units at volume gain of 23,372 units.In fact, Bajaj Pulsar series sales too improved noticeably at almost 47 percent growth. Sales is up at 97,135 units, up from 66,107 units. Volume gain crossed the 31k unit mark. Hero HF Deluxe sales decline was steep at 37 percent. Sales are down to 72,224 units, down from 1,14,575 units. Volume gain declined at 42,351 units.Top 10 Two Wheelers Aug 2022TVS gets into the topseller list with its Jupiter scooter, its highest selling product last month. Sales topped out at just over 70k units, up from 45,625 units. Volume gain stood at 24,450 units up at 53.59 percent. TVS Apache series follows next at a total volume of 40,520 units. While this isn’t a large volume, it’s enough to make it to the top selling list. Sales is up from 16,423 at volume gain of over 24k units. Given the low base number, growth is reported at 146.73 percent.Suzuki, still a fairly small seller in India has had a great few months steadying and improving sales. And its Access scooter finds itself in the top 10 two-wheeler sales list often. Sales last month were however on a decline, down at 40,375 units, down from 49,135 units. Volume decline stood at 8,760 units at 17.83 percent decline.TVS XL moped sales declineTVS XL moped, which at one time was the manufacturer’s largest seller by volume, has seen a consistent decline in sales volume in recent months. Sales last month was down to 36,489 units from 52,607 units. Volume decline stood at 16,118 units at 30.64 percent decline.Top 10 2WheelersAug-22Aug-21Growth % YoY1. Hero Splendor2,86,0072,41,70318.332. Honda Activa2,21,1432,04,6598.053. Honda CB Shine1,20,1391,29,926-7.534. Bajaj Platina99,98756,61576.615. Bajaj Pulsar97,13566,10746.946. Hero HF Deluxe72,2241,14,575-36.967. TVS Jupiter70,07545,62553.598. TVS Apache40,52016,423146.739. Suzuki Access40,37549,135-17.8310. TVS XL36,48952,607-30.64Total10,84,0949,77,37510.92Total sales for the top 10 two-wheelers is reported at 10,84,094 units. Cumulative wholesales improved by about 11 percent, up from 9,77,375 units. Volume gain stood at 1,06,719 units. More

  • in

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 462cc Delivers 34 Hp – 129 Kmph Cruising Speed

    A trusty off-roader, Himalayan gets all the better with tons of aftermarket components added in this customization projectRoyal Enfield Himalayan 462ccOn journeys that require both cruising and off-roading capabilities, one of the most affordable options is Royal Enfield Himalayan. Even for hardcore enthusiasts who may find Himalayan a bit lacking in performance, the bike doesn’t disappoint, as it can be easily upgraded owing to its simple architecture.In a recent example, YouTuber Motos Cades & Coffee has come up with some major modifications on his 2019 Himalayan. The bike has been upgraded to make the 1,000+ mile ride from Maryland (US) to Prince Edward Island (Canada) a lot more fun and comfortable. While Himalayan could have attempted this journey in its stock form, the upgraded customized version seems more apt for this trip.Royal Enfield Himalayan 462cc – 34 HP, 80 mph cruisingThis customization project focuses on achieving the best of both worlds, i.e., agility and high speed cruising power along with ample torque to conquer challenging off-road tracks. With the use of multiple aftermarket components, this customized Himalayan delivers around 34 horsepower. That’s a good 10 hp more than the stock version that makes 24.3 bhp and 32 Nm. This customized Himalayan could be pretty close to matching the performance of upcoming Himalayan 450.List of upgrades using aftermarket components is pretty long. It must have taken several days for getting everything up and running in a synchronized manner. Modified Himalayan has already been taken on road tests and performance is way better than the stock version.[embedded content][embedded content]Royal Enfield Himalayan 462cc can quickly reach cruising speed of 80 miles per hour (129 kmph) and sustain that without any issues. The bike will be put to even more gruelling tests to find its ultimate endurance limit.Upgrades for 34hp HimalayanA number of components come from Hitchcocks Motorcycles, for example, 462 cc Big Bore Kit, performance camshaft and Straight Flow Air Intake. The big bore kit comprises a new, larger cylinder barrel with English made forged piston. It is designed to fit Himalayan’s crankcase and does not require any machining. What the big bore kit essentially does is that it converts the stock 411 cc Himalayan to 462 cc.Hitchcocks performance camshaft works to maximise performance, all while remaining within the limits of standard ECU parameters. It is available for both Himalayan as well as Scram. For bikes with carburettor, the performance camshaft may require some manual fine tuning. Other upgrades for the bike include K&N Open Air element filter that has been used in combination with Hitchcocks Straight Flow Air Intake. These allow improved air flow, which in turn boosts performance.Another key upgrade is Powertronic custom and tuneable ECU system. It delivers a range of benefits such as smooth power delivery, quicker throttle response and enhanced power output. Powertronic ECU has been dyno-tested for delivering increased power output of 3-5 bhp. Other modifications include Powertronic FuelX Autotune Pro, PowerRage slip-on exhaust, heavy duty clutch and clutch springs, 15-tooth front sprocket and heavy duty DID chain and rear sprocket. More