Month: July 2023

Jul 21

Introducing the State Department’s New Armored Chevrolet Suburban: A Game-Changer in VIP Protection

State-of-the-Art Protection Vehicle for Diplomatic Security

The latest addition to the Department of State’s fleet, the new armored Chevrolet Suburban, represents a leap forward in high-security transport. While it maintains the familiar Chevy Suburban look, this vehicle is engineered from scratch to meet rigorous security demands rather than retrofitted from an existing SUV. This innovative approach promises superior performance and reliability, addressing the shortcomings often seen with modified vehicles.

Enhanced Features and Future Production Plans

Delivered to the Department of State on June 30, the prototype has undergone extensive testing, with final evaluations slated to conclude by September. GM Defense plans to commence full-scale production by June 2024, aiming to deliver up to 200 units annually over the next decade. This vehicle is designed to protect officials and dignitaries in both domestic and international environments, featuring advanced technology such as the new eBOF chassis that supports various propulsion systems, including potential electric and hybrid options.

Benefits of Purpose-Built Armor

One key advantage of this purpose-built armored SUV is its integration of armoring directly into the vehicle’s design, eliminating the need for post-production modifications. This design not only enhances the vehicle’s durability and performance but also simplifies maintenance compared to retrofitted models. The new Chevy Suburban’s construction aims to improve safety and operational efficiency, making it a significant upgrade for the Department of State’s protective fleet.

Why This Matters

The development of a custom armored vehicle designed specifically for the needs of high-security transport represents a significant advancement in protection technology. By incorporating advanced features directly into the vehicle’s design, the Department of State can ensure greater reliability and effectiveness in safeguarding important personnel. This approach could set a new standard for how armored vehicles are built and maintained, potentially influencing future designs across various security applications.

Jul 21

1 Adjustment Could Fix the Subaru WRX’s Popularity Problem

The Subaru WRX is heralded among enthusiasts as an affordable compact sedan that still pays homage to its rallying roots. While the modern WRX doesn’t have the same hooligan-forward approach as its predecessors, it is still a sprightly handler with respectable performance that can still be had with a manual transmission. Though the WRX nameplate is plenty popular among automotive circles, it’s proving not-so-prevalent among buyers, and its price could be to blame.

WRX sales are lagging behind the competition

The Subaru WRX’s lagging popularity is made evident by recent sales figures, according to stats gathered by GoodCarBadCar. Subaru WRX sales reached 15,373 units through the year’s first six months, but this Subaru significantly trails some more popular options. Honda sold nearly 94,000 Civic models, and Hyundai moved over 74,000 Elantra models over the same period, while the Mazda3 was just behind the WRX with 15,127 units sold.

The Subaru WRX price isn’t as attractive as some competitors

The 2023 Subaru WRX is available in four trims, with the base model starting at $31,625 MSRP with the top-of-the-range GT commanding $44,415, and compared to some of its fellow sport compacts, it lacks value prospects.

That’s especially true against the Civic Si. The WRX is notably more powerful, with its 2.4-liter flat-four delivering 271 hp to the Honda Civic SI’s 200-hp 1.5-liter, but for those who can sacrifice some power, the Si provides far more amenities while delivering a fun-to-drive nature. For instance, the Honda is equipped with features like leather upholstery, a nine-inch infotainment screen, Bose audio system, navigation, 18-inch wheels, and a host of other amenities the base WRX can’t match in its base trim, which is about $1,000 more expensive than the Civic.

The WRX features all-wheel drive as standard, but it’s no longer the only sport compact to offer a four-wheel grunt. The Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus is the range-topper of the lineup, starting at $35,165. While that is slightly above the WRX’s second-level trim, the Mazda features AWD, a 250-hp turbo-four, and its cabin refinement is leagues ahead of the Subaru’s.

Of course, those less interested in performance can purchase a well-equipped Mazda3 sedan or hatchback for thousands less than the WRX.

The Hyundai Elantra N is another model which holds a greater value prospect than the WRX. The Elantra N starts at just over $34,000, about the same price as a WRX Premium, and it’s loaded with amenities while delivering 276 hp and a plethora of performance kit options.

The WRX’s 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway figures aren’t helping its value cause as they significantly trail its rivals.

A price cut could assist the WRX’s sales and popularity

The Subaru WRX is not as hardcore as it once was, and as such, it needs to appeal to a wider audience, but its price is likely holding it back. If it were to bring a better value proposition, its popularity would likely be boosted both among mainstream and enthusiast buyers.

Among sport compacts, the WRX ranks low. U.S. News ranks the Subaru WRX last out of 10 compact cars. However, if the WRX were priced lower, especially among non-base trims, the Subaru could present far better value prospects and thus be more appealing overall.

Jul 21

SUV and Child Care Center Van Collision Injures 16 in Indianapolis

Incident Overview and Immediate Response

On Friday afternoon, a collision involving a child care center’s van and an SUV resulted in injuries to 16 individuals, including 13 children. The crash occurred at approximately 3:10 p.m. on East Washington Street, just east of Mitthoeffer Road, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department. The child care van, which was transporting children from Bright Minds Academy, collided with a Chevrolet Traverse attempting a left turn into a Kroger parking lot.

Details of the Crash and Medical Response

The impact injured the van’s passengers—two women and 13 children—as well as the driver of the SUV. While the majority of the children were taken to local hospitals in stable condition, four were released at the scene after their parents signed medical waivers. According to battalion chief-media relations Rita L. Reith, all vehicle occupants were properly secured with seatbelts or car seats, and the children ranged in age from 10 months to 9 years.

Key Takeaways and Community Impact

This accident underscores the importance of vehicle safety, especially when transporting children. Despite the careful use of seatbelts and car seats, such collisions can lead to significant injuries. The incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and improvements in road safety measures, particularly in areas frequented by school and child care transportation services.

Jul 21

‘I was just in Texas that heat is no joke’: H-E-B baby locked in car during severe heat advisory saved by Good Samaritans

Extreme heat has embroiled Texas in recent weeks, and in a dramatic video captured at an H-E-B grocery store parking lot in the South Texas town of Harlingen, Good Samaritans are shown rescuing a baby trapped in a locked car.

The video of the daring rescue comes from TikToker @lindahdz91 and has attracted over 3.7 million views since it went up on Thursday.

The video starts with a man in an H-E-B parking lot using a crowbar to break the glass of a car’s windshield. He successfully does so and then reaches into the car, seemingly trying to unlock the passenger door.

@lindahdz91 Baby locked in car.. hope baby is okay not sure who vehicle or whos baby it is #awarness #baby #harlingen #956 ♬ original sound – user4362240051779

The video then cuts to someone pulling a baby out of the hole in the windshield.

The TikToker added context with a caption reading, “Baby locked in car.. hope baby is okay not sure who vehicle or [whose] baby it is.”

According to Weather Underground, Harlingen’s high temperature on Thursday was 100 degrees.

One commenter observed, “Absolutely doesn’t matter how they got this poor baby out, they are [heroes] for saving this baby’s life.”

Another remarked, “poor baby those were his guardian angels thank God he’s okay.”

Several people wondered why the baby was removed from the car via the cracked windshield rather than a safer exit. One asked, “Why wouldn’t they just break the side windows and got him out through the door?!”

The creator responded, “Side window wasnt breaking and girl tried opening the door but wasn’t opening,” adding, “that’s why they put baby thru window.”

Many Texans are familiar with public service announcements warning people not to leave children or pets in parked cars, especially during the hot summer months when strings of days with triple-digit high temperatures are the norm.

As the National Weather Service warned on its site, “It is NEVER safe to leave a toddler, disabled person or pet locked in a car, even in the winter. If you have a toddler in your household, lock your cars, even in your own driveway. Kids play in cars or wander outside and get into a car and can die in 10 minutes! Based on data from 1998-2022, an average of 38 childhood heatstroke fatalities occur each year. Pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths (PVHD) have occurred year-round.”

An article from a AAA website added, “Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle fatalities for kids 14 and younger. In 90-degree weather, the inside of a vehicle, in direct sunlight, can exceed 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Even on a mild, sunny day, temperatures inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in just 10 minutes.”

Jul 21

Police identify 2 juveniles who escaped deputies after stolen SUV crashes

Police say they have identified two juveniles who managed to escape from deputies after a stolen SUV crashed violently into another vehicle during a police pursuit.

Kent County sheriff’s deputies said there were five people in the SUV and, with the help of a construction worker, they captured three soon after the crash.

Police began pursuing the SUV about 7:15 a.m. Thursday, July 21. The SUV was on East Beltline Avenue and disregarded a stop sign at Burton Street, colliding with another vehicle.

Police released dashcam video of the pursuit later Thursday.

The other vehicle overturned and the driver was injured, but deputies said the injuries were not believed serious. The captured teens were ages 14, 15, and 18.

In a Friday, July 21 update, deputies said the other two people in the SUV, both juveniles, had been identified. They are not yet in custody.

Kent County sheriff’s Sgt. Eric Brunner said detectives expect to submit a report to prosecutors for potential charges against the two juveniles.

Jul 21

Charlie Clark Auto Group’s El Paso Dealership Earns Global Excellence Award

Prestigious Recognition for Charlie Clark Auto Group

Charlie Clark Auto Group has achieved a remarkable milestone as three of its dealerships, including the El Paso location, have been honored with the 2022 Global Award of Excellence by Nissan. This prestigious accolade recognizes the top 50 Nissan dealerships worldwide for exceptional performance in sales and customer satisfaction. Alongside their El Paso branch, the Charlie Clark dealerships in Brownsville and Harlingen were the only Texas representatives to receive this esteemed award.

Impact and Celebration

President and founder Charlie Clark expressed deep gratitude, emphasizing the crucial role of customer support in reaching this achievement. He highlighted the significance of having all three dealerships in the group recognized, calling it a historic accomplishment. The El Paso location, which marked its 6th anniversary this April, has particularly excelled, contributing to the group’s exceptional standing through high sales and unparalleled customer service.

Jul 21

SUV Crashes into Darby Storefront, No Serious Injuries Reported

Incident Details

On Friday around 12:30 p.m., a Toyota SUV collided with a storefront on Main Street in Darby, causing a scene but fortunately resulting in no serious injuries. Emergency services, including Darby and Yeadon firefighters, were on-site for an hour managing the aftermath while PECO arrived to cut off power to the affected building. The accident occurred in the 800 block of Main Street, where first responders quickly ensured the safety of those involved.

A Busy Day for Emergency Responders

The incident was part of a hectic day for Darby’s emergency services. Just an hour and fifteen minutes later, police and EMS were called to a stabbing report on North Seventh Street. The stabbing victim was described as being in serious condition, but no further details were immediately available.

Jul 21

Nissan Ariya vs. Volkswagen ID.4: Which EV Is More Popular?

The Nissan Ariya and the Volkswagen ID.4 are two of the most recognizable cars on the road. Both of these electric vehicles offer spacious interiors and sleek designs, and are classified as mainstream compact electric SUVs.

With similar pricing, technology, and features, it is easy to see that the vehicles are extremely similar to one another, and shoppers who are considering both cars might be a little confused over which one to ultimately choose. So, which is more popular so far this year—the Nissan Ariya or the Volkswagen ID.4?

The first quarter of 2023 saw much higher sales for the ID.4 than the Nissan Ariya

Q1 2023 sales for the Nissan Ariya weren’t exactly stellar, with only 2,860 units sold, according to Nissan News. Q1 2023 saw sales of 9,758 units for the Volkswagen ID.4, and according to the website Green Car Congress, this is a 254.2% over Q1 2022, in which the ID.4 sold only 2,755 units, representing only 4.2% of new sales.

This trend has continued into Q2 of 2023, as the ID.4 again outsold the Ariya. Year-to-date sales figures paint the best picture. So far this year the ID.4 has sold 16,448 units compared to 5,194 for the Ariya.

What is the reason for the difference in sales?

Those who are in the market for a new compact electric SUV may be wondering what the reason is for the glaring difference in sales between the Ariya and the Volkswagen ID.4.

It turns out that the ID.4 has a slightly lower starting price at $40,290 as compared to the Ariya, which starts at $44,525. Both offer similar ranges, with the ID.4 will achieve up to 275 miles while the Ariya gets up to 272 miles.

The Nissan Ariya and the Volkswagen ID.4 both have seating for five, and the Ariya boasts a maximum horsepower RPM of 238, and maximum torque RPM of 221. The ID.4 has a maximum horsepower of 295, and maximum torque of 339. Both vehicles are all-wheel drive, and the features of the cars are similar as well.

Drivers will find that when it comes to the Ariya, Apply CarPlay, in-depth navigation, and Android Auto are all standard. Cooled front seats, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with memory function, and LED headlights, tail lights, daytime running lights, and fog lights are just some of the available features for this SUV.

The ID.4 offers a standard 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, and 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and memory settings. Just like the Ariya, this SUV has a list of available features, such as heated front, rear seats, and steering wheel, wireless phone charging⁠, three-zone automatic climate control, and Volkswagen ID. Cockpit digital instrument display.

Is Nissan experiencing a supply issue?

Despite the comparability of the two SUVs, it appears that the Volkswagen ID.4 certainly has the edge. This raises the question as to whether Nissan is experiencing a supply issue which may account for the lower sales.

This may be the case, since according to CarBuzz, there is a lack of inventory. One dealer expressed their thoughts by saying “Why can’t we produce the Ariya in any acceptable volume?” He added that “Customers are walking in saying, ‘I’m sold, let me buy one.’ But we can’t tell them when it’s coming.”

This is still the beginning of the story for both models. Time will tell which electric SUV ends up being more popular in the long run.

Jul 21

Is Tuning Your Modern Muscle Car Worth It?

Your new muscle car might not be living up to its power potential. So, is a tuner, flash tune, or standalone ECU a solid fix for your horsepower headache?

OK, you got yourself a Dodge Challenger R/T, and you’re not pleased with the factory 375 crank horsepower rating. Don’t fret; a tune can help wake your engine to produce more power and torque. So is a tune or standalone engine control unit (ECU) upgrade worth it for your modern muscle car? Or should you go straight for forced induction on your S550 Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro?

Can you tune a muscle car?

Like other sports cars and performance vehicles, owners can tune a modern muscle car for optimal performance. In fact, drivers can flash a tune to their car’s hardware, opt for a tuner, or install a standalone ECU.

The easiest way to tune a modern muscle car is an ECU tune flashed to your existing hardware. For instance, some tuning houses can plug into your vehicle’s OBD II port and tune a modern muscle car like a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE to run optimally on pump gas or 100+ octane fuel.

What are the benefits of tuning a modern muscle car?

According to CJ Pony Parts, Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations routinely limit stock cars’ capacities to produce significant power. As a result, your late-model Dodge Challenger R/T or Ford Mustang GT has more potential than stock power figures suggest. A tune can access some of that potential.

More importantly, a tune is essential if you have bolt-ons on your muscle car, like a cold air intake (CAI). For instance, while running rich (too much fuel in the air-fuel mixture) is wasteful, it’s safer than running lean. A programmable ECU, like a standalone unit, can help with real-time adjustments.

What does an ECU tune do?

An ECU tune or standalone unit can take your make, model, engine size, and target inputs to adjust your vehicle’s air-fuel ratio. Many standalone units are plug-and-play, with simple connections and a port for vacuum line readings. When programmed correctly, an ECU tune will allow a stock or bolt-on motor like a 5.0L Coyote V8 or 5.7L HEMI engine to increase its overall power output.

What else can you do to make your muscle car faster?

In addition to flashing your ECU with a tune or investing in a standalone ECU, you can add forced induction to a naturally aspirated muscle car to make it more powerful and, traction-allowing, faster.

For instance, adding a turbocharger, centrifugal supercharger, or roots-style supercharger to an engine can allow it to perform at higher volumetric efficiency. That means forced induction sends air into the combustion process more efficiently than a naturally aspirated application or intake modification. As a result, an engine can gulp through more air, account for it in the air-fuel mixture, and make more power.

Of course, determined tuners and builders can make a performance car like a Ford Mustang faster without a tune or pricey forced induction. Lightening, stiffening, and investing in high-quality, grippy performance tires can do wonders for making a muscle car quicker on more than just the drag strip.

Jul 21

Zip line, trampolines, race cars coming to former North Jackson Best Buy

Race cars, zip lines, and trampolines could soon fill the space that used to house the Northeast Jackson Best Buy.

On Monday, the Jackson City Council approved a use permit for UA Jackson MS, which plans to transform the former big box retailer into Urban Air, an indoor entertainment center for families and kids.

“We go all over the country looking for big box retailers and fill them up with fun things for kids to do,” said David Contreras, an architect for Urban Air. “It’s a destination spot for families and kids to go play on the weekends.”

Contreras said construction is expected to get underway as soon as UA obtains the needed permits. If all goes according to plan, doors should open before Christmas.

“That’s the goal and we’d like to do that, if possible,” he said. “The owners are very proactive about getting things done. The contractor on board is one of the best.”

The use permit was approved on a unanimous vote.

The property is located at 6370 Ridgewood Court Dr. which is currently zoned C-3 commercial.

Indoor recreational centers are allowed in C-3 areas as long as use permits are granted, according to the city’s Zoning Ordinance.

Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote is glad to see the tenant coming in.

“Jackson’s got great bones from the standpoint of real estate,” he said. “There’s lots of space available and it needs to be reinvented or repurposed.”

Several major retailers along East County Line have closed in recent years. Best Buy shut its doors in 2015. Academy Sports closed several years later. According to the Northside Sun, the council approved a conditional use permit for Spinners Family Entertainment to open a location at that site last October.

“It’s encouraging to see investors coming in to take time and effort to repurpose or reinvent the space to serve the local community,” Foote said. “It may not be what it once was, but we can find new uses that might be a fun addition to Jackson.”

Urban Air will include everything from indoor trampolines and bouncing structures to miniature racing and a zip line.

It also will feature a tech bar and numerous TVs to allow parents to enjoy sports while their children are playing, as well as a cafe offering snacks like pizzas, wings, nachos, and desserts.

“There will be party rooms, so you can have birthday parties there,” Contreras said. “There’s about ten of them total. You can open them up to have one big party or just individuals.”

“It’s a place to go to get outside of the heat, outside of the elements… A fun place to be for your birthday parties or to hang out as a family.”

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