Month: July 2023

Jul 12

The Suzuki Cappuccino: How a Tiny Engine Powers a Fun Driving Experience

Compact Design and Kei Car Regulations

The Suzuki Cappuccino, produced from 1991 to 1998, was a delightful alternative to the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Designed to adhere to Kei car regulations in Japan, it featured a compact 657 cc turbocharged inline-three engine. Although it was not available in the U.S., this quirky roadster made waves in European markets with its unique blend of style and performance.

Lightweight and Agile Performance

What makes the Suzuki Cappuccino thrilling despite its modest 63 horsepower is its incredibly light weight. At just 1,543 lbs, it is roughly 29% lighter than the early Mazda MX-5 Miata. This low curb weight, combined with its balanced design, enhances the driving experience, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the roadster’s nimbleness and responsiveness without breaking speed limits.

Engineering Innovations and Enthusiast Appeal

The Cappuccino incorporated several engineering techniques to maximize performance from its small engine. It featured a turbocharged and intercooled setup, and its dual overhead cam (DOHC) design improved engine efficiency. Although the horsepower may seem modest, the combination of these features, along with an optional limited-slip differential and standard four-wheel disc brakes, contributes to a driving experience that remains exciting and engaging.

Fans of the Suzuki Cappuccino appreciate its dynamic handling and the joy of driving a lightweight sports car. As imports have become more accessible since 2016, the Cappuccino has developed a devoted following among enthusiasts, with its appeal continuing to grow among younger generations.

Jul 12

Tesla Dashcam Captures Honda Flipping Over in Rear-End Collision

Dramatic Early Morning Accident Captured on Tesla Dashcam

A Tesla Model 3 driver, six months pregnant, experienced a harrowing moment early in the morning after dropping her husband off at the airport. While waiting for a traffic light to change at 4:30 a.m., her vehicle was rear-ended by a Honda that veered into her lane, causing the Honda to flip onto its roof before landing back on its wheels. Thankfully, both the driver, Mala Arguello, and her unborn child emerged unscathed, highlighting the resilience of human life over material possessions.

Investigation and Dashcam Insights

Despite the fortunate outcome, the aftermath was complicated. Mala Arguello had previously noticed the Honda stopped in the middle of an exit and witnessed it swerving erratically before the collision. Although the footage from the Tesla dashcam and another Tesla on the scene was reviewed, the police attributed the accident to the Honda driver possibly falling asleep, as their policy only mandates DUI investigations if alcohol is suspected and there are fatalities involved.

The Power of Dashcam Technology

Tesla’s dashcam feature has proven its value in documenting significant accidents, such as a recent incident where a Kia Soul was airborne after being struck by a runaway wheel. These recordings offer critical evidence in understanding and resolving road incidents, showcasing the growing importance of in-car camera systems in enhancing road safety and accountability.

Jul 12

Mercedes-AMG EQE – A High-Performance Electric SUV with Straight-Line Excitement

Introduction to the AMG EQE

Mercedes-Benz’s first electric SUV from AMG, the EQE, is a blend of performance and luxury, generating an impressive 677 horsepower with its dual motors. After a slow start, Mercedes has expanded its electric lineup, and the EQE marks the introduction of AMG’s electric prowess. Although the EQC was a precursor, the EQE SUV represents a leap forward in Mercedes’ electric journey.

Performance and Battery Life

Equipped with a 90.6-kilowatt-hour battery, the AMG EQE offers thrilling performance with a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 3.5 seconds when opting for the DYNAMIC PLUS package. Despite this power, the EQE’s driving experience may lack the raw emotional appeal of traditional AMG models, focusing instead on smooth, efficient power delivery. The battery’s range is yet to be officially announced but is expected to align closely with the EQE 500’s 433 kilometers, with the ability to charge at up to 170 kilowatts on a DC fast charger.

Design and Features

The EQE sports AMG-specific design touches, including a distinctive hood emblem and AMG accents throughout the interior. Inside, it boasts a luxurious cabin with the Hyperscreen infotainment system, a Dolby Atmos sound setup, and an AMG Performance steering wheel. Although its electric powertrain delivers exceptional performance metrics, the vehicle’s design remains true to its aerodynamic roots, which might not cater to those seeking a dramatic visual departure from traditional AMG styling.

Conclusion

Priced around $130,000, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE offers a high-performance, electric alternative in the luxury SUV market. It combines speed, comfort, and electric efficiency, making it an attractive option for those who value both performance and eco-friendliness. Scheduled for release in late 2023, this model is set to cater to enthusiasts looking for an electric SUV with AMG’s signature touch.

Jul 12

Some Rivian R1T And R1S Units Unable To Charge On AC Due To Faulty Onboard Charger

Rivian has started a customer satisfaction campaign to replace the onboard charger on some R1T all-electric pickups and R1S zero-emissions SUVs because they may have been shipped with a faulty component that disables AC charging, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The bulletin, which was spotted by the Rivian Forums user Bael, states that some R1S and R1T vehicles manufactured between December 2022 and March 2023 may be equipped with the faulty onboard charger and that DC fast charging is still functional on affected units.

In other words, vehicles that have this issue can’t be recharged with a Level 1 (120 volts) or Level 2 (240 volts) charger, but plugging into a DC fast charger, which bypasses the onboard charger, will still put juice in the battery.

It’s worth noting that this is not a recall. Here’s the campaign’s description, as per the NHTSA document:

“Rivian is initiating a customer satisfaction campaign for some model year 2022-2023 R1S and R1T vehicles that may have been built with an onboard charger that cannot charge on alternating current (AC). The part supplier shipped onboard chargers that were built with a faulty component. Though AC charging may be disabled in these vehicles, direct current (DC) fast charging is still functional. Rivian will replace the onboard charger. Rivian is launching this campaign for customer satisfaction and to ensure the quality of Rivian vehicles.”

We got in touch with Rivian to find out how many vehicles are potentially affected by this issue and we’ll update this article when we get a comment from the EV maker.

A possible fix for owners who are experiencing problems while charging at home is to lower the input amperage to 40 amps or 32 amps and then try again, according to Rivian Forum users who came across the issue.

The R1T and R1S are equipped with a 48-amp onboard charger that can deliver up to 11.5 kilowatts of power when the mobile charger is plugged into a NEMA 14-50 outlet, adding roughly 25 miles of range per hour.

As our own Tom Moloughney found out, charging a Rivian R1T can also be done at 40 amps, which translates into 9.6 kW of power and adds about 20 miles of range per hour. A Level 2 charger connected to a 32-amp circuit reduces the power to 7.7 kW and adds about 15 miles of range per hour.

Charging from a 120-volt, 12-amp outlet (Level 1, 1.4 kW), the all-electric pickup will gain just 2-3 miles of range in one hour. At the same time, the R1T can accept up to 220 kW from a DC fast charger, which can increase the battery’s state of charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 45 minutes.

As always, we’d like to know what you think about this: have you experienced this issue, and if so, what worked for you? Scroll down to the comments section and give us your thoughts.

Jul 12

Significant Drop in New EV Prices: A 20% Decrease Over the Past Year

Declining Average Prices

The average cost of new electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. has seen a substantial decrease, falling to $53,438 in June—a 20% reduction compared to the previous year, as reported by Kelley Blue Book. This marks a notable drop from January’s average price of over $61,000 and the June 2022 average of $66,390. In just one year, the typical price of an EV has decreased by nearly $13,000, reflecting a significant shift in the market.

Factors Influencing the Price Drop

Tesla, a dominant player in the U.S. EV market, has been a major contributor to the decrease in prices, primarily due to substantial price cuts. Additionally, increased inventory levels for EVs have led to longer timeframes before vehicles are sold, with the EV segment averaging 103 days on dealer lots compared to the industry average of 53 days. Cox Automotive’s Michelle Krebs highlights that the reduced EV prices are bringing them closer to the industry average, showing a marked contrast to last year’s prices which were higher than luxury vehicle prices.

Market Trends and Incentives

In June, manufacturer incentives for EVs surged to their highest point in a year, averaging $2,048—up 0.2 percentage points from May. This increase in incentives, combined with an overall slight rise in car prices by 1.6% to $48,808, indicates a broader trend of price moderation across the industry. Notably, the decline in transaction prices from January to June represents the largest decrease in the past decade, underscoring a significant shift in the automotive market.

Your thoughts on this dramatic shift in EV pricing are welcome—feel free to share your views in the comments section below.

Jul 12

Caterham’s Project V: A Game-Changing 2,623-Pound Electric Sports Car

Unveiling the Future of Electric Sports Cars

On July 12, Caterham will showcase Project V at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, marking its entry into the electric vehicle arena. Inspired by the classic Caterham Seven, this new model combines the thrill of rear-wheel drive with the innovation of electric power. Set to debut in late 2025, Project V promises a revolutionary driving experience with its lightweight design and cutting-edge technology.

Innovative Design and Performance

Designed by Anthony Jannarelly, Project V features a 200-kilowatt rear motor and a 55-kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering 268 horsepower and an estimated range of 249 miles. The car boasts a swift 0-60 mph acceleration in under 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph. Its minimalistic design includes a carbon fiber and aluminum chassis, fully adjustable suspension, and intuitive controls, ensuring a thrilling yet practical driving experience.

Versatile and Practical Features

Project V offers a versatile 2+1 seating layout with an optional 2+2 configuration, enhancing comfort and flexibility. The dashboard is sleek and simple, with digital gauges and adjustable driving modes for Normal, Sport, and Sprint settings. CEO Bob Laishley emphasizes that Project V not only complements the classic Seven but also embodies Caterham’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, aiming to attract both long-time enthusiasts and new customers.

Project V will share the spotlight at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with other cutting-edge EVs, like the Pininfarina Battista Edizione Nino Farina and the MG4 EX4 concept, showcasing the future of electric performance.

Jul 12

Stolen SUV belonging to man with ALS recovered in St. Paul

St. Paul wheelchair stolen, police asking help

A 24-year-old St. Paul man with ALS had his wheelchair stolen when his SUV was stolen with it inside. St. Paul Police are now asking the community to keep an eye out for both in the hopes of their return.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – A day after FOX 9 detailed the plight of a man living with ALS who had his SUV and wheelchair stolen, the stolen vehicle has now been recovered.

The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office tells FOX 9 that Kyle Schultz’s Chevy Tahoe was spotted by someone who saw FOX 9’s story on Monday. it was recovered by deputies near Winnipeg and Rice Street in St. Paul Tuesday afternoon. Unfortunately for Schultz, his wheelchair that was inside the SUV was gone along with all four tires. A ramp and a vest for his service dog were also stolen.

Schultz SUV was loaded up Tuesday afternoon. (FOX 9)

It was towed away around 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

The good news: Schultz also got some help on Tuesday with finding a new chair. Local nonprofit the O’Neill Foundation saw Schultz’s story and wanted to help. The foundation donated a new wheelchair to Schultz which will be arriving on Friday.

Jul 12

Fort Smith Motorcycle-SUV Collision: Injuries Reported, Traffic Delays Expected

Collision Overview

A recent motorcycle and SUV accident on Riverfront Drive in Fort Smith has resulted in injuries whose severity is yet to be fully determined. The Fort Smith Police Department has reported the incident, urging the public to brace for possible delays in the area. They also advise motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid the affected stretch of road.

Traffic Advisory

In light of the accident, authorities recommend expecting significant traffic disruptions around Riverfront Drive. Drivers are encouraged to plan their journeys with potential delays in mind and consider detours to bypass the scene. Staying informed about traffic updates can help mitigate the impact on daily commutes.

Jul 12

Investigation Underway for Unexpected Door Openings in Ford SUVs

Escalating Safety Concerns

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into allegations that doors of certain Ford SUV models may inadvertently open while being driven. This scrutiny involves an estimated 346,000 Ford Escape units from the 2020 and 2021 model years. Concerns have been raised about the potential danger to drivers and passengers due to possibly faulty spot welds at the attachment points of the front door check arm bracket, which could undermine the structural integrity of the door.

Incident Reports and Safety Implications

As reported by the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, there have been 118 complaints about this door malfunction, with 25 reports of minor injuries and one instance of minor property damage. Car owners have noted hearing an unusual popping sound when operating the doors, signaling potential bracket detachment. This defect might prevent the doors from closing properly or could result in them opening during transit, significantly elevating the risk of accidents and injuries.

Government Review and Prospective Measures

The NHTSA is thoroughly assessing the severity and prevalence of this reported defect to decide if a mandatory recall of the impacted models is necessary. This inquiry highlights the importance of maintaining rigorous quality control standards for vehicle safety components. Should the investigation confirm the defect’s critical nature, it could lead to substantial recalls to address and resolve the issue, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the vehicles for all owners of the affected Ford Escape models.

Jul 12

Why Wasn’t the Most Popular EV Considered for ‘EV of the Year’?

The Tesla Model Y is without question the most popular EV on the road. However, it wasn’t eligible for a recent award in the indsutry.

Electric vehicles are improving every year, and now you can find sedans as well as electrified sport utility vehicles. Out of all the choices out there, which one is the most popular and is it good enough to win Car and Driver’s EV of the year? Let’s find out.

Which vehicles were in the running and which one won EV of the Year?

Car and Driver reports that this is the third year the publication has done one of these contests for electric vehicles. For 2023 the EVs that were competing included:

  • Audi Q4 e-tron
  • BMW i7
  • Cadillac Lyriq AWD
  • Genesis Electrified GV70
  • GMC Hummer EV
  • Hyundai Ioniq 6
  • Kia EV6 GT
  • Kia Niro EV
  • Lexus RZ450e
  • Lucid Air Pure AWD
  • Mercedes-Benz EQE350 4Matic+
  • Nissan Ariya
  • Toyota bZ4x
  • VinFast VF8

The model that came away with the win was the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6, which shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise since the Ioniq 5 won last year. This year’s winner offers both a single and dual motor setup depending on the trim you choose. The test vehicle Car and Driver evaluated was a dual-motor Limited, which could go approximately 220 miles of driving range, even though it’s rated for about 50 miles more.

The electric motor system produces a total of 225 hp (for the C&D test vehicle) and 258 lb-ft of torque. This enabled the car to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Even its braking performance impressed the judges with a distance of 182 feet from 70 mph to zero. As for runner-ups, the Genesis Electrified GV70 and the Kia EV6 GT came the closest.

Out of all the electric vehicles now on the market, the one considered to be the world’s most popular EV happens to be the Tesla Model Y. You may have noticed that the Car and Driver list didn’t even list this model as a competitor, nor was any Tesla vehicle seen there for that matter.

With two versions to choose from, the Long Range ($54,990) and Performance ($58,990) models, you get quite a bit for the money. The Long Range version offers 330 miles (AWD) of driving range and its powertrain produces 425 hp and 475 lb-ft. Tesla’s Model Y Performance version gives you 303 miles of driving range and a motor output of 456 hp and 496 lb-ft of torque.

However, being the most popular EV doesn’t necessarily make it the best EV of the year as we see from C&D’s competition.

What kept the Model Y from being an EV of the Year?

Car and Driver shares that EVs are always evolving and what used to impress, like charging times, are usually bested by another EV the following year. The publication even explains that an EV that wows this year will be just average the next and then outdated two years later. In order to win C&D’s EV of the Year award, you need to wow the editors.

While the Tesla Model Y turns heads with many, especially critics, it hasn’t offered anything new this year to make it a competitor. Actually, no other Tesla model has either.

The world’s most popular EV is the Tesla Model Y for its exceptional features and outstanding performance. But, what makes you popular doesn’t always make you a winner. Car and Driver shows you that with its EV of the Year model, the Hyundai Ioniq, which brings something new and fresh to the table.