Author: fabcarsAdmin

Dec 18

Car Crashes into SUV in Biden’s Motorcade During Delaware Campaign Stop

On Sunday night in Wilmington, Delaware, a dramatic incident occurred when a car crashed into a parked SUV that was part of President Joe Biden’s motorcade. The collision happened as President Biden was departing from his campaign headquarters, but fortunately, both he and First Lady Jill Biden were unharmed.

As President Biden made his way from the campaign office to his armored SUV, a sedan collided with a U.S. Secret Service vehicle stationed to secure the area. The driver then attempted to enter a restricted intersection, prompting Secret Service agents to quickly intervene, surrounding the car and demanding the driver to surrender. Despite the commotion, President Biden was escorted to his vehicle and swiftly transported home, with his schedule remaining on track.

This incident highlights the rigorous measures in place to protect high-profile figures and the swift response of security personnel in crisis situations. It also underscores the constant vigilance required to ensure the safety of public figures amidst unpredictable and potentially dangerous events.

Nov 21

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N First Drive: More Than Just Huge Power (But It Has That Too)

In an age where electrified performance is as easy as moving a slider or turning a knob, where speed is a question of how quickly you can shuttle ions from anode to cathode, it’s honestly a little hard to get excited about yet another big, heavy, dual-motor electric vehicle with an ungodly amount of power.

Take the Kia EV6 GT, for example. Great as it is, it feels a bit disconnected at times. It’s stupidly fast, sure, but it’s also a bit boring. Kia added the power but forgot about the rest of the experience, the special touchpoints and tweaks that brands like BMW’s M division or Mercedes-Benz’s AMG have turned into cottage industries.

Given that, I didn’t know what to expect from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. More power, sure, but would it feel special? Or would it just feel like a bigger hammer?

As it turns out, Hyundai N’s performance engineers went way above and beyond to create a car that legitimately does feel special—rowdy even, while still delivering all the excellence of the base Ioniq 5.

Quick Specs 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Output 641 horsepower/545 lb-ft of torque
Drivetrain All-Wheel-Drive
Battery 84 kilowatt-hours (lithium-ion)
0-60 MPH 3.2 seconds
Top Speed 162 mph (electronically limited)

The Complete Package

Let’s get the numbers out of the way first because, impressive as they are, they’re the least interesting part about this car. The Ioniq 5 N is officially rated at 641 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque. That power figure is exactly twice what the base Ioniq 5 puts down, a fact that can’t be a coincidence.

That power comes courtesy of new electric motors front and rear, 223 hp to the front and 378 at the rear, each able to go into an overboost mode for 10 seconds to get up to that 641 hp figure.

They’re powered by a wholly new battery pack rated at 84 kWh. That’s up about 7 kWh over the base car, a figure that seems hardly worth the effort of designing a wholly new pack. But then there are many aspects of the Ioniq 5 N that seem like they’d deliver dubious amounts of return on investment, like the extra seam welding and adhesive to boost chassis rigidity or the reinforced axles. And while Hyundai hasn’t given us range or efficiency estimates yet, you can be sure both will be less than a standard Ioniq 5.

Taken in isolation, each of these minor tweaks feels a bit unnecessary, fiddling for fiddling’s sake, but if nothing else, it shows the microscopic attention to detail brought to the table by Hyundai’s engineers in creating something more than the aforementioned bigger hammer.

The Ioniq 5’s suspension has also seen comprehensive revisions, with larger dampers fitted at every corner to provide a broader spread between soft and firm. An electronically activated, clutch-type, mechanical limited-slip differential at the rear ensures that the 282 kW motor at the back doesn’t liquidate the inside tire coming out of corners.

The front diff is open, but the car’s stability and traction systems have been comprehensively revised to enable it to do some basic torque vectoring by braking the inside wheel.

More Ioniq 5 News

Hyundai Motor Sold Over 19,600 All-Electric Cars In July 2023
Listen To Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s Fake Exhaust At Idle In This Drift Spec Model
Watch 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Go Hard At The Nurburgring
Hyundai Exec: Ioniq 5 N Will Be “Much Faster” Than i30 N

Wonderful Toys

The software changes extend throughout all the systems under the proverbial hood, but they present themselves in numerous extra features available to the driver. It starts with the steering wheel, which features not only a drive mode button on the upper-left but also two more mode buttons, both labeled N.

The left N button cycles through a few different performance-minded driving modes. You can configure all these to your specifications — so long as your specifications entail a raucous, rowdy experience. The right N button dials up the societal nuisance factor even further by toggling through one of three fake engine noises, played not only inside the cabin but outside the car, too. There’s even a fake shifting experience, which you can read all about here.

Finally, there’s a shiny red button that sits tantalizingly close to your right thumb. A beautiful, shiny button labeled NGB: N Grin Boost. Press this, and you get those 10 seconds of maximum power, in which the car becomes most aggressive, most angry, and lightning quick. Tap this to get to the launch control quickly, but make sure you warn your passengers to put their head on the headrest before you take your foot off the brake.

The customizations continue through to the touchscreen interface, where a specific N page lets you cycle through endless configurable parameters, with toggles for enabling a track-oriented regen mode called N Pedal, an N Race section where you can toggle between maximum power for a single lap or more endurance, and even the N Drift Optimizer, for those who need a little help getting sideways.

The most tantalizing thing on this page, though, is the N Torque Distribution slider that lets you control the car’s power distribution. Leave it in the middle for maximum power from both motors. Want a FWD Ioniq 5 N? Slide it to the left. Want a taste of RWD action? Slide it all the way to the right—and get ready to do some sliding of another sort.

All these toggles and buttons are initially overwhelming and disorienting, way too many options to get through on your first drive. Honestly, though, I love it. This was my biggest complaint about the EV6 GT: There just wasn’t a single iota of performance-oriented customization to the car’s user interface. If anything, Hyundai’s gone a little too far in throwing a kitchen sink full of sliders and options at the Ioniq 5 N. Still, tech-obsessed buyers, those who’ve spent more time than they like to admit fiddling with setups in Gran Turismo, will adore the reconfigurability.

Behind The Wheel

If you’ve never had the chance to drive in Korea, let me assure you that you’re not missing much. Terminally slow speed limits (30 kph, or 19 mph, in many towns) enforced by endless speed cameras popping away at endless gridlock make for an underwhelming place to helm the wheel. Given that, I learned little about the Ioniq 5 N’s more performance-oriented on-road dynamics while in Korea.

However, I did learn that it’s still a perfectly civilized way to get from A to B, just like its non-N variant. Ride quality isn’t terribly compromised by those low-profile 275/35R21 Pirelli P Zero tires, though they bring more road noise to the party. The suede microfiber seats are still quite comfortable for big miles (and we did a lot of miles), while the latest version of Hyundai’s Highway Drive Assist works well on the highway, keeping the car centered in the lane and automatically stopping and resuming when stuck in traffic.

Thankfully, the destination of our long grind of a journey was Korea International Circuit, home of the doomed Korean Formula One Grand Prix from 2010 to 2013. Mother Nature is clearly reclaiming this massive, ill-fated track. Vines crawl up many of the disused grandstands. Sun-faded banners feature the distinctive, walrus-tusked F1 cars of the era, which thankfully haven’t been seen since.

Under-used though the circuit may be, it was a great chance to finally turn up the wick on the Ioniq 5 N. While my time on the track was too brief to know whether the car delivers on its promised endurance. It was enough, however, to determine that the 5 N has a delightful, playful character to it.

In the default mode, Normal, the Ioniq 5 N is fast but ultimately a bit tame and quick to reign in things whenever you start to have a bit of fun. Just give a tap to the N button and everything changes.

Now, the car wants to play. The accelerator is more eager, naturally, but the stiffer suspension imparts more urgency when you head for the apex, and it all culminates in much more fun on the way out. Even with the stability and traction controls well and truly enabled, the Ioniq 5 N gladly wags its tail under full-throttle acceleration, and that’s a delightful thing.

Turn on the N Pedal mode, which amps up the regen to add a sort of permanent trail-braking, and things get even more lurid. Here, I was able to get the car into a properly good slide coming out of the tightest bend on the circuit. This, again, was with the stability control still enabled.

The car definitely had a strong tendency towards understeer. That at least partly comes down to weight. Hyundai didn’t quote a formal figure for the 5 N but did say it weighs more than a regular Ioniq 5, which clocks in at around 4,000 pounds in AWD trim. Given that mass, you can’t expect much in the way of nimbleness on the track. Still, the 5 N was remarkably playful, a legitimately good time.

Every little drift was effortless to catch, just a quick twist of the quickened steering. Braking, too, is precise, despite having no mechanical connection between your foot and those calipers. It’s a full brake-by-wire system, so the car’s ECU decides how much braking to apply in response to your command.

The 5 N can pull up to 0.6 G under regeneration alone, which gets you most of the way there. But, when you ask for more, the car seamlessly brings in the four-piston monobloc calipers at the front and more modest single-piston units at the rear to help reign things in. It’ll even let you brake and throttle at the same time, a useful technique for low-grip racing that I’ve never been able to deploy on an EV before.

So the new N is fast and competent, and that’s all great, but what’s more important is its endurance. Too many high-power EVs can deliver amazing performance numbers only over short intervals. But, push them hard, and they soon start cutting power.

Hyundai N technical advisor Albert Biermann (formerly of BMW M fame) promised two full laps of the Nurburgring before the Ioniq 5 N needed to start dialing back the power. That, he said, was about 16 minutes of full-throttle action.

The goal, he said, was for you to do a 20-minute session at your favorite track, hit the pits, and spend 20 minutes on a fast charger, then be back out for another 20-minute session with no loss in power at all. That, sadly, we didn’t get to test, but it’s the kind of promise that should open the eyes of many a weekend warrior to the joys of electrification.

The Cost Question

There’s no way to hide the fact that the Ioniq 5 N is a big ol’ car. Its weight and girth are considerable obstacles to overcome in making it a legitimate track-day performer. Yet that’s just what Hyundai has done. The Ioniq 5 N is a real joy on the track, and yet also a pleasure to commute through the worst of all the copious traffic that Korea has to offer.

Many of the added features here are of dubious usability, but even the most gimmicky ones are fun, and fun is what Hyundai’s N division is all about. The Ioniq 5 N takes a great car and makes it a proper grin machine.

There is, however, one huge question that Hyundai has yet to answer: price. The Ioniq 5 N is clearly a specialized machine. Hyundai’s current Elantra N and Kona N both carry a roughly $10,000 premium over their base counterparts, representing a nearly 50 percent boost in price. Meanwhile, the approximately $63,000 Kia EV6 GT comes in about $20,000 more than a base EV6.

Given that, it seems unlikely that you’ll get into an Ioniq 5 N for less than $70,000, and I fear the final price will be even higher than that. We at least won’t have to wait long to find out.

The Ioniq 5 N hits dealers in March 2024.

Competitor Reviews

Kia EV6 GT

Tesla Model Y Performance

BMW iX

FAQs

What will the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N cost?

Hyundai hasn’t confirmed pricing on the Ioniq 5 N, but expect it to come in higher than its performance-oriented sibling, the Kia EV6 GT, which will set you back around $63,000.

What is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s range?

Hyundai hasn’t given any range estimates for the performance-oriented Ioniq 5 N. It has a bigger battery pack than the current Ioniq 5 AWD, which is rated for 260 miles. But, with its worse aerodynamics, more weight, and more power, there’s a good chance it’ll come in lower.

Will the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N qualify for EV tax credits?

Unfortunately, since it is currently made in Korea, it will not. Like other EVs made abroad, the tax credit is still available if the car is leased.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Motor Two, Permanent Magnet, Synchronous
Output 641 Horsepower / 545 Pound-Feet
Drive Type All-Wheel-Drive
Battery 84 kWh, lithium-ion
Speed 0-60 MPH 3.2 seconds
EV Range TBA
Charge Time TBA
Charge Type 238 Kilowatt-Hours DC
Weight TBA
Seating Capacity 5
Cargo Volume 27.2 / 59.3 Cubic Feet
Towing TBA
Payload TBA
Base Price TBA
As-Tested Price TBA
Nov 21

Comparing Toyota’s Manual Transmission EV with Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s Synthetic DCT: A Detailed Analysis

Experiencing Toyota’s prototype manual transmission in the Lexus UX300e was a revelation. Initially skeptical about this simulated manual, I was surprised to find myself enjoying the authentic driving sensations it offered, such as rev-matching and heel-toe shifting, which made me reevaluate my expectations for EV driving experiences.

In contrast, Hyundai’s approach with the Ioniq 5 N offers a different take on the synthetic transmission experience. While Toyota’s system, still in prototype phase, mimics a six-speed manual, Hyundai has implemented a faux eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) in its production model, featuring paddle shifters and three distinct engine sounds that can be toggled on or off. This feature enhances the driving experience by adding auditory feedback, though the effectiveness of these sounds compared to traditional engine notes remains debatable.

Hyundai’s synthetic transmission allows for a blend of performance and personal preference, with options for simulated shifting and external sound effects that create a dynamic driving atmosphere. While some might find the artificial sounds less engaging, the Ioniq 5 N’s customization options reflect a broader trend towards blending classic driving elements with modern EV technology.

Nov 21

The Best Used Subaru Models with Exceptional Reliability

Discover the Best Subaru Models for Used Car Bargains

While new Subaru vehicles are known for their advanced features and sleek designs, their higher price tags might be out of reach for some buyers. Opting for a used Subaru can be a savvy choice, especially if you target models with proven reliability. Among these, the Subaru Outback stands out with several used model years earning high praise for their performance and durability.

The Subaru Outback’s Standout Model Years

According to data from CarComplaints.com, the Subaru Outback boasts multiple model years recognized for their excellence. The Outback models from 2006 to 2012, along with the 2017 version, are highlighted for their solid performance, despite some complaints. The 2017 model, while facing more issues like battery problems and cracked windshields, remains a cost-effective option as many repairs are minor or covered by warranty.

Other Subaru Models Worth Considering

In addition to the Outback, the Subaru Forester and Legacy also have commendable used model years. The Forester models from 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2008 are noted for their reliability, with fewer major issues compared to the Outback. Similarly, the 2006, 2007, and 2011 Legacy models offer dependable performance, though they may experience issues like transmission failures or head gasket leaks, often appearing after significant mileage.

Essential Tips for Buying a Used Subaru

When searching for a used Subaru, thorough research is essential. Start by test-driving the vehicle to check for any unusual noises and ensure all features work correctly. Additionally, obtain a vehicle history report and have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic to avoid hidden issues and ensure a smart purchase. An extended warranty might offer extra peace of mind, but it’s crucial to read the terms carefully before committing.

For more detailed insights on reliable Subaru models, check out our guides on the best Forester and Outback models under specific budgets and their most reliable years.

Nov 21

Tesla Introduces Congestion Fees at Busy Supercharger Stations

Tesla’s New Strategy to Manage Supercharger Traffic

Tesla is rolling out a new approach to alleviate congestion at its Supercharger stations across the U.S., introducing congestion fees to high-traffic locations. This fee, set at $1 per minute, is designed to encourage drivers to stop charging their vehicles once they reach 90% battery, rather than filling up to 100%. By doing so, Tesla aims to enhance the availability of charging spots, minimizing wait times and improving access for all users.

How the Congestion Fees Work

The new congestion fees will replace the previous idle fees, which charged $0.50 per minute once a vehicle reached its desired state of charge or 100%. With congestion fees, drivers will incur charges if their vehicle remains connected beyond 90% charge, including during idle periods. This adjustment is expected to discourage prolonged stays at busy Supercharger stations, making the charging network more efficient and accessible.

Future Implications and User Experience

Tesla plans to implement these fees at select Supercharger stations, with the possibility of varying rates depending on the location’s traffic and demand. Drivers will be notified through the Tesla app and vehicle touchscreen when congestion fees apply. This move is part of Tesla’s broader strategy to optimize its Supercharging network, especially as it prepares to open its stations to other electric vehicles in the coming year.

This initiative aims to promote efficient use of charging resources and ensure that all Tesla drivers have timely access to charging facilities.

Nov 21

Driver dead after semi and SUV collide in Moab

Moab police have identified the 61-year-old man who died Tuesday morning in a crash involving his SUV and a semi-truck.

The man who died was John Scott Thomas, a South Salt Lake man who had recently been living and working in Moab.

The Moab City Police Department issued a statement saying the collision happened at 5:18 a.m. at 1431 N. Highway 191.

“Officers quickly arrived and performed life-saving efforts on the male driver of the red SUV, however, he ultimately passed away at the hospital a short time later,” the notice says. “The driver of the semi-truck complained of arm and leg pain, and was also transported to the hospital in stable condition.”

According to preliminary witness reports and investigation, “it appears as though the semi-truck was southbound on Highway 191 when the red SUV pulled out of a hotel parking lot in front of the semi-truck. The red SUV was T-boned by the semi-truck, sending both vehicles into oncoming northbound traffic, and causing the highway to be completely blocked.”

The scene closed the highway for about four hours during investigation, the Moab County Sheriff news release says. During that time, the Utah Highway Patrol helped with scene scanning with the use of a drone.

“The Moab City Police Department wishes to thank the Utah Highway Patrol, Grand County Sheriff‘s Office and UDOT for their assistance. Our condolences go out to the family of the decedent.”

Nov 21

Tesla Cybertruck Takes a Dip in the Gulf of Mexico—Boat Mode Tested?

Tesla Cybertruck Ventures into Gulf of Mexico

A Tesla Cybertruck prototype recently made headlines by taking an unexpected plunge into the Gulf of Mexico, raising curiosity about its water capabilities. A video shared on Reddit captures the electric truck driving into shallow waters at Port Aransas, Texas, much to the surprise of onlookers. Though the truck only submerged in a few inches of water, it sparked speculation about its potential boat-like features.

Purpose of the Water Test and Future Prospects

Tesla’s decision to drive the Cybertruck into the ocean might be more than just a stunt; it could be part of testing its water fording abilities. While the truck remained in shallow water, concerns about getting stuck in wet sand were mitigated by the beach’s stable sand conditions. This test hints at the possibility of future innovations, as Elon Musk previously suggested the Cybertruck might be able to briefly serve as a boat, potentially crossing bodies of water like rivers and lakes.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Cybertruck?

Elon Musk’s 2022 statements about the Cybertruck’s waterproof capabilities and possible channel-crossing abilities continue to intrigue enthusiasts. While the current test was limited to shallow waters, the upcoming delivery event on November 30 might reveal more about the Cybertruck’s floating potential and other key features. As Tesla moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the Cybertruck’s performance aligns with its ambitious promises.

Nov 21

Amazon’s Entry into Car Sales: What It Means for Traditional Dealerships

Hyundai Teams Up with Amazon for Innovative Car Sales

Hyundai has recently announced a partnership with Amazon to streamline the car-buying process, marking a significant shift in automotive sales. This collaboration won’t let you haggle with Alexa, but it promises a more convenient way to purchase a vehicle, either picking it up from a local dealership or having it delivered. This development hints at a major transformation in how cars are sold and raises questions about its impact on traditional dealerships.

The Shift Towards Online Car Buying and Its Implications

The demand for a hassle-free car-buying experience has grown, particularly with the rise of digital platforms. Amazon’s foray into vehicle sales is likely to revolutionize the automotive market by offering a familiar e-commerce interface for car purchases. Lawrence Pier of ComCap notes that while this shift offers convenience, it also places pressure on traditional dealerships to adapt or consolidate in response to the new online competition.

The Continuing Role of Dealerships in the Automotive Ecosystem

Despite Amazon’s new car sales platform, traditional dealerships will remain integral to the automotive industry. They will continue to handle vehicle pick-ups, inventory management, and essential services like repairs. As e-commerce giants like Amazon enter the car market, local dealers will need to enhance their technological capabilities to stay competitive and meet evolving customer expectations.

The Future of Car Sales and Customer Experience

While buying cars online is not entirely new, Amazon’s involvement could make the process more seamless for consumers. The support from OEM dealerships for post-sale issues and warranty repairs will be crucial for ensuring a smooth transition. Overall, if Amazon succeeds in delivering a superior buying experience, it could establish a lasting change in how vehicles are sold, benefiting both buyers and the industry at large.

Nov 21

Domino’s Promises Hot And Fresh Pizzas With New Delivery E-Bike

When you order a pizza, chances are you want it fresh and hot. I mean, what’s worse than a rock-hard pizza that’s gone cold after sitting for hours in traffic while waiting to be delivered? Interestingly, Domino’s Pizza has come up with a way to beat the traffic and keep pizzas warm and fresh on the way to customers.

Electric bicycles being used for delivery services are nothing new. However, Domino’s new e-bike looks like it’s been pulled straight out of a sci-fi movie set in some futuristic world where, as it would turn out, pizzas are still a thing. It’s called the dxb, and it’s an electric bike designed for one job and one job only: deliver pizzas while keeping them warm and fresh. The way the dxb does this is remarkably simple, while at the same time complex.

The large compartment at the back isn’t just any old pizza compartment. It’s a mobile oven. That way, freshly baked pizzas are warmed on the way to their customers’ homes. This means that you quite literally get an oven-fresh pizza delivered to your doorstep. Mmm, all this talk about hot pizza is making me hungry.

But wait a minute, what if the route to my home necessitates passing through some hilly terrain, as well as the occasional hop up and down the curb? Not to worry, as Domino’s dxb is fitted with so-called “space age suspension” to keep your pizza nice and comfy on the way to you. According to Domino’s the bike’s suspension reduces G-forces by up to 67 percent! Now, I’m guessing that this suspension system is housed internally in the rear storage compartment/ oven, as I only see a suspension fork up front that actually handles suspension duties for the bike.

Apart from the cool oven and “space age suspension,” the Domino’s dxb is pretty much a standard e-bike. It rolls on 20-inch wheels shod in street tires, and gets a downtube-integrated battery pack that presumably also supplies power to the rear-mounted oven. Specs about the power of the motor, as well as the bike’s overall range haven’t been revealed, but whatever the case may be, it’s clear that this two-wheeler is designed for in-city use only.

Now, if you live in the US and are just getting excited to see this two-wheeler deliver your next pizza, I have some bad news for you. The dxb is expected to hit the roads in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises (DPE) markets. The US is unfortunately not part of DPE’s coverage. Nevertheless, DPE covers more than 2,800 stores in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Japan, Germany, Luxembourg, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia.

Nov 21

Understanding Dually Trucks: Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks

What Is a Dually Truck?

A dually truck, also known as a dual-rear-wheel (DRW) truck, is distinguished by its additional set of rear tires. Unlike standard pickup trucks with four tires at the rear, duallies feature six tires on the rear axle, enhancing their stability and load-carrying capacity. This unique design is complemented by wider rear fenders, setting them apart visually and functionally.

The Advantages of Dually Trucks

The primary benefit of dually trucks lies in their increased payload and towing capacities. The extra tires not only support heavier loads but also improve traction and braking, making them ideal for towing large trailers and carrying substantial weights. For example, while a Ram 3500 dually can handle up to 7,680 pounds of payload, its single-rear-wheel counterpart would fall short in comparison.

Comparing Dually and Regular Trucks

When it comes to towing, dually trucks generally outperform their single-rear-wheel (SRW) counterparts. For instance, a Ford F-350 dually can tow up to 21,000 pounds, significantly more than the 18,000 pounds of its SRW version. This enhanced capability makes duallies a preferred choice for heavy-duty tasks, though they come with their own set of challenges.

Evaluating the Best Dually Trucks

Choosing the best dually truck depends on specific needs and preferences. The Ram 3500 leads with the highest towing capacity, while the Ford F-350 offers superior payload capacity. Each brand—Ram, Ford, Chevy, and GMC—has its strengths, and careful consideration of payload and towing capacities will help in selecting the right truck for your requirements.

Drawbacks of Dually Trucks

Despite their benefits, dually trucks have some downsides. They are wider and can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces compared to SRW models. Maintenance costs are higher due to the additional tires, and they may face higher risks of hydroplaning and increased registration fees in some states.

In conclusion, while dually trucks provide exceptional towing and payload capabilities, it’s essential to weigh their advantages against potential drawbacks to determine if they align with your needs.