Author: fabcarsAdmin

Apr 26

This 2018 Tesla Model S Drove 413,000 Miles With Its Original Battery

The Tesla Model S is a true high-mileage EV hero, and we’ve seen countless examples going strong even after driving hundreds of thousands of miles. However, most of these high-mileage Model S sedans go through several battery packs throughout their lives, so seeing one that covered over 400,000 miles before it needed a new battery is impressive.

The Fully Charged Show tells the story of Nigel Raynard from Australia, who covers around 350 miles daily and drove his 2018 Tesla Model S on its original battery pack until it reached about 413,000 miles. He says that he decided to try to get the battery changed after the car started giving error messages, and it no longer provided full power when the state of charge dropped to a certain point (when the car had about 30 miles of range left, according to the owner).

The Tesla Model S makes for a great taxi

Throughout Europe, you will see Tesla Model S sedans used as taxis and many of them have covered hundreds of thousands of miles some on their original battery pack

He notes that the car still drove fine with its original battery, but he wanted to take advantage of the eight-year unlimited-mile Tesla battery warranty that still covered his Model S. Speaking to Tesla, he was told that it was eligible to receive a refurbished battery, but they installed a brand new (and bigger) 90-kilowatt-hour pack. The owner doesn’t say in the video, but the car’s original battery was probably the 75 kWh pack.

Perhaps more impressive about this particular case is that Nigel says he regularly DC fast-charges his car, although he also has home charging. He says he also frequently charged it to 100% and then ran it until a very low state of charge, which is known to affect the longevity of EV battery packs, although in this case, it didn’t seem to make much of a difference.

Getting over 400,000 miles out of one battery pack seems consistent (even a bit above average) with the other high-mileage Tesla Model S sedans we’ve covered. The highest-mileage Model S in existence, a 2014 P85, has done over 1.24 million miles, and it’s now on its fourth battery pack, so it’s gotten about 300,000 miles out of each pack.

Apr 26

Pedestrian Critically Injured in SUV Accident at Laurel Convenience Store

Serious Incident at First Stop Gas Station in Laurel

Overview of the Accident

A major accident at the First Stop Gas Station in Laurel, Delaware, resulted in severe injuries to a pedestrian. The event occurred on April 25 at approximately 7:57 p.m., drawing a swift response from local emergency services, including the Laurel Police Department, Laurel Fire Department, and Sussex County Paramedics. Reports indicate that a Jeep SUV, driven by a 78-year-old Laurel resident, rolled forward and crashed into the store after the driver exited without putting it in park.

Details of the Collision and Immediate Response

In an urgent attempt to stop the moving vehicle, the driver accidentally pressed the accelerator, causing the SUV to leap over the concrete barriers and onto the sidewalk. The vehicle struck a 17-year-old boy who was leaning against the building, resulting in serious injuries. The injured teenager was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for emergency medical care.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The driver stayed at the scene and fully cooperated with the authorities. He was issued citations for Inattentive Driving and Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession. The Laurel Police Department is investigating to uncover all the details leading to the incident.

Community Safety and Preventive Measures

This incident emphasizes the critical importance of vehicle safety and the necessity for drivers to ensure their cars are properly secured before leaving them. It also showcases the swift response of the local emergency services and the importance of community cooperation during investigations. The event has profoundly impacted the local community, serving as a stark reminder of the risks associated with vehicle mishandling and the need for enhanced driver awareness.

Apr 26

Small SUVs Face Challenges in New Crash Prevention Tests

Evaluating Small SUVs in Advanced Crash Prevention Tests

The Struggles of Automatic Emergency Braking Systems

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems are meant to prevent accidents by automatically applying the brakes. However, a recent comprehensive test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) showed that many popular small SUVs encounter difficulties with specific road obstacles. Among the ten small SUVs tested, only the Subaru Forester met the rigorous criteria set by IIHS.

Detailed Testing Outcomes

David Aylor, Vice President of Active Safety at IIHS, highlighted the necessity for these systems to provide early warnings to avert collisions. The latest test included more challenging scenarios, such as avoiding collisions with another vehicle, a motorcycle, and a large truck at increased speeds. This test differed from previous ones, which were conducted at 12 and 25 mph, by incorporating speeds as high as 43 mph.

The Subaru Forester distinguished itself by nearly avoiding all collisions with both passenger cars and motorcycles, experiencing only minor impacts at higher speeds. Conversely, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 were rated as acceptable, while the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, and Jeep Compass received marginal ratings. The Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Volkswagen Taos were rated poorly.

Industry Reaction and Expected Enhancements

Aylor anticipates that other manufacturers will make rapid improvements to their systems. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing many of the brands with lower ratings, emphasized the importance of AEB technology in minimizing crashes and injuries. Despite the test outcomes, Aylor noted that AEB systems remain highly effective in real-world situations, reducing front-to-rear crashes by 50%.

The IIHS plans to extend its testing to include AEB performance with other obstacles, such as cyclists and pedestrians, particularly under nighttime conditions. Automakers with lower ratings, including Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors North America, General Motors, and Volkswagen of America, have pledged to enhance their AEB systems in line with the new IIHS standards.

Emphasizing Safety and Ongoing Improvements

This test highlights the crucial need for continuous advancements in AEB systems to improve vehicle safety. Although some SUVs faced challenges, the ongoing development and refinement of these technologies are essential for better protecting drivers and pedestrians. The IIHS’s dedication to stringent testing protocols and the manufacturers’ commitment to safety improvements are vital steps towards safer roads for all.

Apr 26

‘Pray hard!’: Family updates condition of Tifton boy hit by SUV

A Tifton 5-year-old who was hospitalized after being hit by an SUV in a school zone on Tuesday is still healing.

According to a family member’s post on Friday, Isaiah Silva is expected to stay in a medically induced coma at a Jacksonville hospital for at least a few days. X-rays, brain monitors and cooling blankets are also being used to aid his recovery.

In a post, a family member said, “Pray hard! The doctors took him down to CT due to his left pupil not reacting earlier yesterday they said it was sluggish and now it’s not reacting please lord we need a miracle!”

Apr 26

Kia EV9 GT performance three-row SUV to be revealed next year

A high-performance version of the Kia EV9 electric three-row SUV, to be badged the GT, has been confirmed for a January debut, and it will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds. This is according to Kia’s Investor Day presentation.

Kia said the new version of the SUV will have “enormous power output”—as yet unspecified—generated by a dual electric motor setup. It’s expected that the SUV will inherit a powertrain similar to that found in the smaller EV6 GT. As such, output would likely be around 576 horsepower at least, if not a little more to account for the EV9’s additional weight.

The upcoming EV9 GT will be 1.3 seconds faster to 60 mph than the EV9 GT-Line, and only 0.5 second slower compared to the EV6 GT, although it will likely be heavier than that model.

As a performance flagship, the EV9 GT will be fitted with all-wheel drive, and a “reinforced suspension and electronic braking system” set to provide “stable driving performance at high speeds.” Going by the EV6 GT, that suspension will probably have electronically adjustable damping. We also wouldn’t be surprised to see other upgrades such as a limited-slip differential, either electronic or mechanical, included, too.

At its meeting in South Korea, Kia, which is planning to introduce other GT versions of its EV line, confirmed that an updated version of the EV6 GT will debut later this year. The company has also confirmed Kia will launch six new mass market EV models in major locations by the end of the decade: the EV2, EV3, EV4, and EV5.

The EV3 subcompact SUV is expected by the end of this year, to start at about $30,000. By 2030, said Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song, Kia aims to sell 1.6 million EVs, helped in that quest by concentrating on smaller, more affordable models and discontinuing some larger, less affordable models. The EV9 GT on the other hand, will surely be the most expensive version of the SUV, just as the EV6 GT is the most expensive version of that model.

Apr 26

Only One Small SUV Earns Top Rating in New Crash Prevention Test

Evaluating Small SUVs for Crash Prevention

AEB Systems Face New Challenges

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems aim to prevent accidents by applying brakes automatically. Yet, a recent comprehensive test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found many small SUVs struggling with specific road obstacles. Out of ten small SUVs tested, only the Subaru Forester earned a “good” rating.

Test Findings and Insights

David Aylor, IIHS Vice President of Active Safety, emphasized the need for these systems to give timely warnings to prevent crashes. The new test included more complex scenarios such as avoiding collisions with another vehicle, a motorcycle, and a large truck at higher speeds, ranging from 31 to 43 mph, compared to previous tests at 12 and 25 mph.

The Subaru Forester excelled by avoiding almost all collisions with passenger cars and motorcycles, with only minor impacts at higher speeds. In contrast, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 were rated acceptable, while the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, and Jeep Compass received marginal ratings. The Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Volkswagen Taos were rated poorly.

Subaru Forester

A worker polishes a 2019 Subaru Forester at the New York International Auto Show, on March 28, 2018, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Industry Reactions and Future Improvements

Aylor expects manufacturers to enhance their systems quickly. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing many brands with lower ratings, highlighted the importance of AEB technology in minimizing crashes and injuries. Despite the test results, Aylor noted that AEB systems remain effective in real-world scenarios, reducing front-to-rear crashes by 50%.

The IIHS plans to extend its testing to include AEB performance with other obstacles such as cyclists and pedestrians, particularly under nighttime conditions. Automakers with lower ratings, including Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors North America, General Motors, and Volkswagen of America, have committed to improving their AEB systems based on the new IIHS standards.

A 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite.

A 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite. (Ford Motor Co. / Fox News)

Commitment to Safety and Continuous Improvement

This test underscores the need for ongoing advancements in AEB systems to improve vehicle safety. Although some SUVs faced challenges, the ongoing development and refinement of these technologies are essential for better protecting drivers and pedestrians. The IIHS’s dedication to stringent testing protocols and the manufacturers’ commitment to safety improvements are vital steps toward achieving safer roads for all.

Apr 26

Discover the Pinnacle of Automotive Excellence: The World’s Finest Cars

Exploring the Best Cars Worldwide

Introduction

Navigating the vast selection of car models can be daunting, whether you’re an avid car enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of automobiles. Each vehicle’s performance, design, and features play a crucial role in defining its status among the elite. This guide delves into the top cars globally, highlighting their standout attributes and why they are highly regarded.

Quick Overview: World’s Best Cars

Rank Car Model Price (Approx.) Unique Features
1 Rolls-Royce Boat Tail $28 million Limited production, bespoke design
2 Bugatti La Voiture Noire $18.68 million Handcrafted carbon fiber body, iconic design
3 Rolls-Royce Sweptail Custom Exclusive, bespoke design, luxurious interior
4 Bugatti Centodieci $9 million Limited production, homage to EB110
5 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ $3.9 million World’s fastest production car, exceptional design
6 Mercedes-Maybach Exelero Custom One-off creation, luxurious features
7 Lamborghini Veneno $4.5 million Limited production, striking design
8 Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 $3.6 million Hybrid technology, limited production

Rolls-Royce Boat Tail: The Pinnacle of Luxury

Crafting Excellence

  • Exclusive Production: With only three units ever created, the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail represents the height of exclusivity.
  • Tailored Design: Each car is custom-made to match the unique tastes of its owner, ensuring a distinct driving experience.

Bugatti La Voiture Noire: Engineering Mastery

Bugatti La Voiture Noire

Unparalleled Elegance

  • Carbon Fiber Construction: The handcrafted carbon fiber body showcases Bugatti’s dedication to innovation and craftsmanship.
  • Timeless Appeal: Inspired by the legendary Type 57 SC Atlantic, the La Voiture Noire blends classic design with modern sophistication.

Rolls-Royce Sweptail: Symbol of Opulence

Rolls-Royce Sweptail

Tailored Luxury

  • Custom Build: The Rolls-Royce Sweptail, commissioned by a single client, stands as a unique masterpiece.
  • Luxurious Details: From the handcrafted interior to the sleek exterior, every element of the Sweptail exudes luxury.

Bugatti Centodieci: Celebrating Legacy

Bugatti Centodieci

Tribute to Excellence

  • Limited Edition: With only ten units produced, the Bugatti Centodieci honors the iconic EB110.
  • High Performance: Powered by a quad-turbocharged W16 engine, the Centodieci offers exhilarating speed and agility.

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+: Speed Redefined

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+

Record-Breaking Performance

  • Unmatched Speed: The Chiron Super Sport 300+ holds the title of the fastest production car, reaching up to 300 mph.
  • Exceptional Craftsmanship: Its aerodynamic design and luxurious features set new standards in automotive excellence.

Mercedes-Maybach Exelero: Ultimate Luxury

Mercedes-Maybach Exelero

Singular Splendor

  • One-of-a-Kind Creation: Built for a specific client, the Mercedes-Maybach Exelero is a unique luxury vehicle.
  • Powerful Performance: Featuring a twin-turbocharged V12 engine and a lavish interior, the Exelero embodies automotive prestige.

Lamborghini Veneno: Future Vision

Lamborghini Veneno

Unbridled Power

  • Anniversary Edition: Launched to celebrate Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary, the Veneno combines futuristic design and performance.
  • Rare and Extraordinary: With only a few units produced, the Veneno is both rare and extraordinary.

Lamborghini Sian FKP 37: Leading Innovatio

Lamborghini Sian FKP 37

Hybrid Innovation

  • Electrifying Performance: The Sian FKP 37 combines Lamborghini’s V12 engine with advanced hybrid technology for unparalleled power.
  • Exclusive Production: Limited to 63 units, the Sian FKP 37 is highly sought after by collectors.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. What makes the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail so expensive?

A1. The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail’s exclusivity and customization drive its price to over $28 million. With only three units produced, each car is tailored to the owner’s specific tastes.

Q2. How many Bugatti La Voiture Noire cars exist?

A2. There is only one Bugatti La Voiture Noire, making it one of the rarest and most expensive cars. Its unique design and craftsmanship contribute to its exclusivity.

Q3. What sets the Pagani Huayra Roadster BC apart from other supercars?

A3. The Pagani Huayra Roadster BC features a removable top and uses exotic materials like titanium and carbon fiber, combining high performance with exquisite craftsmanship.

Q4. How fast can the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ go?

A4. The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ is the world’s fastest production car, capable of reaching 300 mph due to its exceptional aerodynamics and powerful engine.

Q5. Why is the W Motors Lykan Hypersport so famous?

A5. The W Motors Lykan Hypersport is renowned for its extraordinary design, diamond-encrusted headlights, and holographic displays. It gained additional fame from its appearance in the Fast and Furious franchise.

Conclusion

In the world of automotive excellence, these cars stand out as benchmarks of innovation, craftsmanship, and performance. From the opulent Rolls-Royce Boat Tail to the incredibly fast Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, each vehicle offers a unique blend of style and substance. Whether you prefer classic elegance or cutting-edge technology, these top cars will captivate your imagination and elevate your driving experience.

Apr 26

2024 Tesla Cybertruck: InsideEVs 70 MPH Highway Range Test Results

Introduction to the Tesla Cybertruck

After several years of anticipation, the Tesla Cybertruck has finally been released. As an enthusiast, the first test I conduct on any new EV is the InsideEVs 70 MPH Highway Range Test. This week, I had the opportunity to perform this test on an all-wheel-drive Foundation Series Cybertruck rented from Turo.

Conducting the Range Test

The Cybertruck I tested had just over 2,000 miles on the odometer and was completely stock. InsideEVs conducts all range tests consistently to ensure accurate vehicle-to-vehicle comparisons. Although the Cybertruck has not yet received its official EPA range certification, Tesla estimates that the all-wheel-drive model with 35″ all-terrain tires will have a combined EPA rating of 318 miles. A future model with less aggressive all-season tires is expected to achieve a range of 340 miles.

Our highway range tests differ from EPA tests, aiming to provide consumers with realistic expectations based on actual driving conditions. The Cybertruck’s estimated EPA ratings serve as a reference point, but our focus is on real-world performance.

Test Results and Analysis

Test Segment Miles Driven Total Miles Wh/Mi Mi/kWh kWh Used
100% to 75% 77 77 399 2.51 31
75% to 50% 74 151 403 2.48 30
50% to 25% 72 223 406 2.46 29
25% to 0% 69 302 398 2.51 30

Historically, Tesla vehicles tend to underperform their combined EPA range ratings by 10% to 12%, while other brands often exceed their published range figures. During this test, favorable weather conditions—starting at 60°F and rising to 68°F with minimal wind—contributed to the Cybertruck’s impressive performance.

The test concluded with the Cybertruck covering 302 miles and a consumption rate of 2.51 miles per kilowatt-hour. The vehicle displayed zero miles remaining at 299 miles, and the final three miles utilized the lower-end battery buffer. The battery, with a total capacity of 123 kWh, indicated 120 kWh used during the test, suggesting a bit more reserve.

Based on this data, it’s reasonable to assume the Cybertruck could potentially reach 310 miles before completely depleting its battery. My friend, Kyle Conner, from the Out Of Spec YouTube channel, managed to drive his tri-motor Cyberbeast for 304 miles, using the full 123 kWh.

Future Comparisons and Considerations

Keep an eye out for our upcoming Tesla Cybertruck vs. Ford F-150 Lightning comparison. Our 70-mph highway range tests, while not perfect, provide valuable insights. We account for variables like wind, traffic, topography, and weather, ensuring consistent testing standards for all vehicles.

These tests offer potential customers another data point to consider when evaluating the driving range of a specific EV. Understanding the real-world performance of EVs like the Tesla Cybertruck helps consumers make informed decisions about their next vehicle purchase.

Apr 26

You Can Get a Wittle Wecovery Board to Match Your TRD Pro’s Wittle Wadder

This twaction board fits in nicely with the running joke, no?

This week, an Instagram reel featuring a new addition to the “Wittle Wadder” joke has surfaced: a “Wittle Wecovery” board you can post up on your Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.

The reel shows a silver 4Runner with a roof rack. On the left rear side of the roof rack sits a teensy orange rescue board, complete with mini handles. It seems to be zip-tied to the roof rack.

A white 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro shown in right profile view desert landscape showing half the SUV
2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro | Toyota

The board is really made for RC car builds and doesn’t come magnetized. Amazon reviews show images of the board adorably positioned on finished RC kits. Looks like you can get a set for less than 10 bucks.

The whole joke began a few years ago with a clip of a guy mocking a small but functional (?) ladder bolted to the back of a 4Runner TRD Pro. The joke is to turn all your “Rs” into “Ws” while going on and on about what the driver might be able to do with the ladder and their SUV, ending each statement as a question.

The clip ends with the creator quickly reverting back to his normal voice and saying, “Nah, just kidding. Cool car, bro.” Since then, tiny toy-sized magnetized ladders have popped up on 4Runner owners in on the joke.

Toyota sells quite a few accessories for real 4Runners, but drivers have to go to an aftermarket supplier for a ladder.

When I searched for the wittle wecovery board, I was delighted to find all sorts of RC accessories that could keep this joke going strong. Glorious options include tow chains, “towable” trailers, brush lights, sports travel bags, and a mini roof light bar.

Apr 26

Toyota Bets Big on American-Built, Three-Row Electric SUVs

Toyota made a big announcement this week, letting the world know that it was committing over a billion dollars to build an electric, three-row SUV in Indiana. If that news gives you a sense of deja vu, it’s not just you — this shouldn’t be confused with Toyota’s February announcement about a different three-row electric SUV slated to be built in Kentucky.

All told, the two steps mean that Toyota is committing $2.7 billion to the two American-made electric SUVs. The automaker’s announcement of its new $1.4 billion investment in the Princeton, Indiana facility confirms that the two models are distinct from one another — but it sure seems like Toyota has a particular segment of the market in mind.

Toyota also clarified that the Indiana investment would encompass both the electric SUV assembly and an assembly line for battery packs.

Despite plenty of evidence that there’s room to grow on the sedan side of the EV market, it isn’t hard to see why Toyota would be looking into spacious SUVs for its big EV push. Odds are good that drivers seeking a three-row SUV also live somewhere that could accommodate a charger, which is ideal, seeing as how charging infrastructure has frustrated some EV owners.

This investment in electric SUVs isn’t Toyota’s only big April announcement about upcoming models. Earlier this month, the automaker said that the 2025 Camry would be a hybrid, full stop. It seems telling that Toyota’s ubiquitous sedan is taking a very different path towards electrification — but it also feels like an acknowledgement of where the market and charging infrastructure are right now.