Month: July 2023

Jul 11

QiO’s New EINSx P-E E-Bike Seeks To Provide No-Frills Urban Performance

A Bosch system and suspension fork make this bike an attractive option for city-dwellers looking for a comfy yet capable commuter.

The hunt for the ultimate urban mobility machine in the world of two-wheeled vehicles is a complicated enterprise, similar to the search for the perfect car. A number of aspects and considerations impact this pursuit. Indeed, commuters’ demands and preferences differ, but it’s widely recognized that a small and compact machine is usually the best for urban applications.

The new QiO EINSx P-E e-bike represents the pursuit for maximum urban mobility on two wheels. Its tiny and compact form takes up little room on the road or in your garage. Despite its small size, it is packed with innovative technology and high-performance features that will delight even the most discerning commuters. The EINSx P-E provides a simple and efficient riding experience thanks to its strong electric motor, connection choices, easy controls, and longer battery range. Let’s take a closer look at what this bike can offer, shall we?

The EINSx P-E e-bike has impressive performance characteristics, such as the renowned Bosch Performance Line motor, which is commonly seen on high-end electric mountain bikes. It comes with a Bosch PowerPack battery with a capacity of 545 watt-hours. The integrated Bosch Kiox 300 display provides riders with important information like speed and battery charge remaining, boosting the entire riding experience. The QiO EINSx P-E is also equipped with an anti-theft device for extra peace of mind.

The e-bike sends power to the rear wheel through a Gates CDX belt drive and a stepless Enviolo TR shifting hub for smooth and quick gear changes. The bike’s Smart Sam Plus Schwalbe Performance tires provide exceptional traction and durability. Hydraulic disc brakes reduce stopping distances, increasing road safety. The EINSx P-E has an SR SUNTOUR suspension fork and a by.Schulz parallelogram suspension seat post for maximum rider comfort. Furthermore, the bike is outfitted with a luggage rack, allowing users to carry their daily supplies and stuff for longer travels with ease.

QiO’s EINSx P-E electric bicycle comes in eight different colors: purple, red, gray, dark blue, turquoise, green, light blue, and white. It costs 4,599 Euros, which is around $5,037 USD. It should be noted that QiO bikes are presently only accessible in Europe.

Jul 11

Why Did the Chrysler 300 SRT8 Get Discontinued?

The Chrysler 300 SRT8 took the sleepy, casual presence of the 300 sedan and added a big, snarling Mopar V8. The result? It was a sleeper sedan with lots of horsepower and even more character. So, why did Chrysler put the posh monster out to pasture? Also, is a used model like a 2014 Chrysler 300 SRT8 worth consideration compared to its sibling, the Dodge Charger?

When did Chrysler discontinue the 300 SRT8?

The last Chrysler 300 SRT8s rolled off the line for the 2014 model year. At that point, the LD-platform sleeper sedan had graduated from the 6.1L mill to the tire-roasting 470-horsepower 6.4L Apache V8.

Believe it or not, Chrysler produced a 2015 model, but not for the North American market. Instead, the posh V8 sleeper car and its upgraded ZF transmission headed to over 16 countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

As a result of the 300 SRT8’s trip to the chopping block, the only way to get your big-motor Mopar sedan fix was to opt for the Dodge Charger. The Charger, which also rode on the LD platform after 2011, offered an SRT8 with the 6.4L mill for the 2012 model year. Moreover, the Charger has continued to pack the 6.4L V8 in the R/T Scat Pack trims since 2015.

Why did Chrysler discontinue the 300 SRT8?

Chrysler discontinued its power-mad SRT sedan due to lackluster North American sales, model redundancy with the Dodge Charger, and a five-year plan to change the brands. As a result, the largest mill fans could get in the 300 between 2014 and 2022 was the optional 363-horsepower 5.7L Hemi V8.

Unfortunately, the only time after 2014 that a factory Chrysler 300 packed anything more muscular than the 5.7L V8 was the latest 300C, a swan-song sleeper sedan. Chrysler’s parent company, Stellantis, announced it would discontinue the 300 and Dodge Charger sedans after the 2023 model year, but not before the marque celebrated with the 300C special edition.

Moreover, the 300C marked the return of the 6.4L V8, albeit with 485 horsepower instead of 470. Still, the special edition is limited to just 2,000 copies for the American market and 200 in Canada, per Car and Driver.

How much is the Chrysler 300 SRT8?

Depending on the generation and model year, a used Chrysler 300 SRT8 with average mileage could cost well under $10,000. For instance, Kelley Blue Book says the 2005 model has a fair purchase price of around $7,836. Of course, later models demand a higher amount.

The last U.S. model, the 2014 Chrysler 300 SRT8, has a fair value of about $25,837. Still, with 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque on tap, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better sleeper sedan.

Jul 11

MG4 EX4 Concept Unveiled: A Bold Homage to the Iconic Metro 6R4

Exciting New Debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed

MG Motor, under the ownership of China’s SAIC Motor, is set to make waves at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week. Alongside the European debut of the MG Cyberster electric sports car, MG will showcase two new electric models, including the eagerly anticipated MG4 EX4 Concept. This striking new concept car promises to be a standout with its bold reimagining of the legendary Metro 6R4 rally car from the 1980s.

A Nod to Rally Legends with a Modern Twist

Though full details of the MG4 EX4’s design remain under wraps, teaser images suggest an aggressive homage to the classic Metro 6R4. The concept will likely feature an array of rally-inspired design elements, including a massive front wing, a dramatic rear spoiler, and a wide body kit. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Metro 6R4, the concept will sport a unique livery designed specifically for the Goodwood event.

Performance and Innovation on Display

While MG has yet to reveal specific performance metrics for the MG4 EX4, it is expected to exceed the already impressive capabilities of the MG4 EV XPower. The concept car is anticipated to benefit from weight-saving enhancements and an advanced aerodynamic package, potentially achieving zero to 62 mph in under 3.8 seconds. With these innovations, the MG4 EX4 Concept is set to capture the spirit of its rally heritage while pushing the boundaries of electric performance.

Jul 11

Rivian Set To Open First Canadian ‘Spaces’ Showroom On July 28

Rivian will open its first ‘Spaces’ showroom in Canada on July 28. The showroom will be located at The Amazing Brentwood shopping mall in Burnaby, Vancouver.

This year Rivian is focused on upping its physical retail presence, with the majority of the buying experience taking place online up until now. The first Rivian Space was opened in downtown New York last month. Each Space aims to offer the consumer a casual experience with no hard selling.

All Rivian Spaces will be somewhat unique. For example, a planned Space in Austin, Texas will have a rooftop patio and green area. Meanwhile, another Rivian Space in Laguna Beach, California will be built out of an old theater.

The Burnaby, Vancouver Rivian Space will be the first to have augmented reality, allowing customers to visualize their individual configurations.

Rivian’s two current models, the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, will be joined by a couple more affordable ‘R2’ options soon. The R2 lineup will be unveiled in full next year and will likely consist of a crossover and Ford Maverick-sized pickup truck.

Prices for Rivian’s R2 vehicles are expected to range from $40,000 to $60,000. This represents a significant decrease from the $70,000 to $100,000 price bracket the R1T and R1S fall under.

On top of upping its retail presence, Rivian is working hard on providing its customers with plentiful access to fast charging. The Rivian Adventure Network aims to cover lots of remote areas in North America, with the first three sites opening up last year. Meanwhile, a new deal with Tesla will give Rivian customers full access to the EV pioneer’s 12,000+ Superchargers from 2024 onwards.

Jul 11

US: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Set Sales Record In Q2 2023

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) reports that its vehicle sales in the United States during the second quarter of 2023 improved by over 12 percent year-over-year to 24,602. Nonetheless, the year-to-date result remains in the red at 45,540 (down 5.7%).

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi’s only plug-in model – the new 2023 Outlander PHEV – in Q2 noted 1,620 sales (up 298 percent year-over-year), which is the second consecutive quarterly record.

The Japanese plug-in hybrid is not expected to conquer the US market, but it’s doing better than ever, representing 6.6 percent of the brand’s total volume.

The regular Outlander also sells well (14,368 units and a new record in Q2), outselling the PHEV 9:1.

So far this year, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV sales in the US amounted to 3,217 (186 percent more than a year ago), and 7.1 percent of Mitsubishi’s total volume.

Let’s note that this is actually not that bad result. For example, the PHEV share out of Toyota sales in the first half of the year was just 1.5 percent (plus additional 0.4 percent BEVs).

Mitsubishi has already beat its 2022 plug-in hybrid car sales (1,961 units) and is on the right path to set a new annual record (the current one is 4,166 units in 2018). 6,000 units should not be a problem, assuming 1,500+ per quarter.

Cumulatively, the company sold over 18,000 Outlander PHEVs in the country, compared to well over 300,000 sold globally (mainly in Europe) since 2013.

Before the end of this decade, Mitsubishi intends to offer more rechargeable models. We heard about several all-electric vehicles by 2028, including pickups and SUVs. It would be great to see some new BEVs, which potentially would enable the brand to truly rebound.

As we understand, the market launch of new BEVs in the US – in partnership with other brands in the broader Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance – must be combined with local production, to be eligible for all incentives. That would be a significant investment and potentially will be related to Nissan’s manufacturing plant (Mitsubishi sold its plant in Illinois to Rivian quite some time ago).

Jul 11

Tesla’s Electric Minibus Prototype Surfaces in Leaked Video

Mysterious New Tesla Van Sparks Excitement

A video circulating on social media, shared by Las Vegas-based content creator Jacob Orth, seemingly showcases Tesla’s electric minibus prototype. Featuring the company’s logo prominently on the steering wheel, this prototype appears to be in the early stages of development, with its design hinting at a sleek, autonomous shuttle bus. The vehicle boasts a spacious interior with 12 seats and a large glazed area, enhancing its futuristic appeal.

Potential Connection to The Boring Company’s Vision

This prototype could potentially align with Tesla’s long-discussed ambitions for high-density urban transport, first highlighted in their 2016 Master Plan Part 2. While the video’s authenticity remains unconfirmed, it bears resemblance to earlier concepts proposed by The Boring Company for its Las Vegas Loop. Whether this prototype will evolve into a practical vehicle or remains a concept is yet to be seen, but the buzz around it suggests that Tesla might be nearing a significant breakthrough in electric urban transport solutions.

Jul 11

2024 Renault 5 Unveils Exterior Design In New Teaser Images

The replacement for the Zoe will ride on a new electric platform,

With the Zoe, Renault had a pretty decent competitor in the electric city car segment but that vehicle is now getting old and is starting to lack behind its rivals in many aspects. The French manufacturer will replace it with the Renault 5, which will be reborn in the form of an electric hatchback riding on a new platform. We’ve seen this vehicle testing on public roads – both as a mule and with its production body (see the related links below) – and new teaser images reveal the exterior design almost in full weeks (or months) ahead of its official debut.

The automaker published photos with a Renault 5 prototype in a press release that details the development center, in which the EV is currently being tested. The Global Production Engineering Center near Paris is the place where the company accurately replicates its actual production processes in order to produce prototypes that represent future production models and validate the production process. This is the site where prototypes of all future Renault models are developed and assembled – from the early mule phases to the final pre-production trial vehicles.

The teaser images show a vehicle that is remarkably reminiscent of the original Renault 5, though there are certain touches that make it look modern and even futuristic to a certain extent. If you’ve seen the Renault 5 Prototype – the concept that previewed the upcoming production model (pictured in the gallery below) – you’ll probably be happy to hear the car that will reach the showrooms will be almost identical. Not all details are visible at this point as there’s still some sort of black camouflage covering the entire body. We don’t know what’s the design of the front bumper, wheels, and rear fascia, for example, but all of this will be revealed (hopefully) very soon.

As for what’s under the skin, the Renault 5 will be based on the new CMF-B EV platform, which has been developed with Europe’s B-segment electric vehicles in mind and will offer up to 30 percent lower production costs compared to the Zoe, which is going to be phased out next year. This is possible mainly due to the fact that the architecture shares about 70 percent of its components with Renault’s CMF-B platform that’s used by vehicles with internal combustion engines. The battery will be lighter than the one on the Zoe but there are no details regarding its capacity. As opposed to the Volkswagen ID.3, the electric motor will be mounted at the front.

Jul 11

Rise in Vehicle Thefts: Unlocked SUV with Keys Inside Stolen

A Preventable Theft in Bloomfield Township

The Bloomfield Township Police Department is actively investigating a recent incident where a 2014 GMC Yukon was stolen from a residential driveway on Peabody Drive. Reported on July 8, the theft occurred during the night, with the SUV notably left unlocked and the keys inside, making it an easy target for thieves. This oversight underscores the importance of securing vehicles, even when parked at home.

Call for Public Assistance and Preventative Measures

Authorities are seeking assistance from the public to gather any information that could lead to the recovery of the stolen vehicle. Residents with any relevant details are urged to contact the Bloomfield Township Police Department at their non-emergency line, 248-433-7755. In response to this incident, police are emphasizing the critical need for residents to lock their vehicles, secure or remove valuables, and ensure that keys are never left inside, to prevent similar occurrences.

Jul 11

Rivian R1T vs. Ford Explorer ST: All-American Drag Race Highlights

A Battle of Power and Performance

In a captivating drag race that pits electric innovation against traditional power, the Rivian R1T electric pickup takes on the Ford Explorer ST SUV. This race deviates from the usual high-stakes EV vs. supercar matchups, showcasing the Rivian’s impressive quad-motor setup with 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque, against the Explorer ST’s 400-horsepower EcoBoost V6. Both vehicles hail from the same state, with Rivian’s factory in Normal, Illinois, and Ford’s production in Chicago, adding a local touch to this exciting competition.

Speed and Specifications on Display

The Rivian R1T, with its hefty 8,532-pound frame, contrasts sharply with the Explorer ST’s lighter 4,345-pound build, creating a dynamic race between electric and gas-powered performance. Despite its weight, the R1T’s advanced powertrain, indicated by its yellow brake calipers, suggests it’s the high-performance variant, poised to dominate. The Ford Explorer ST, equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive, offers robust performance but may struggle against the Rivian’s superior torque and power in this all-American drag showdown.