Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

2021 Chrysler Pacifica is the winner of Best Family Cars 2021 event
Chrysler Pacifica is named PARENTS Best Family Cars 2021 winner, making the vehicle a second consecutive win in the event. In fact, Pacifica remains the most awarded minivan over the last five years, and has already earned 145 honors and industry accolades since its debut.

Coverage of PARENTS Best Family Cars 2021 will be featured in the May issue of PARENTS magazine and online at Parents.com/bestcars.

Last year, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was named PARENTS’ “Best Eco Pick,” reflecting its position as the first and only plug-in hybrid minivan.

The event recognizes new vehicles for their advanced performance, safety features, and convenience of use. As it comes to minivans, the jury is especially cautious on whether these fit families and manage to answer to their needs.

In order to come with the final contesters for the prestigious award, PARENTS experts tested more than 50 vehicles and have managed to narrow down the finalists to 24 models that featured enhanced safety technologies and family-friendly additions.

SEE ALSO: New Cupra Born is about to finish the hard -30 degrees tests

2021 Chrysler Pacifica’s family-friendly features include:
- New FamCAM interior camera that allows parents to view child seat occupants in the rear and even zoom in on passengers.
- Uconnect Theater with built-in games and available Wi-Fi to keep children occupied.
- New Uconnect 5 system offers a 10.1-inch touchscreen, the largest standard touchscreen in its class, and many more connected services and features.
- New USB Type C ports charge devices up to four times faster than standard USB outlets.
- More standard safety features than any vehicle in the industry.
- Available new all-wheel drive (AWD) to assist in transporting children in any kind of weather, paired with Pacifica’s class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating
- Stow ‘n Go second-row in-floor storage bins also allow additional space for storing toys, schoolbooks, groceries and more
- Stow ‘n Vac helps clean up any kid-generated messes
Source: Chrysler
April 8, 2021
New Cupra Born is about to finish the harsh -30 degrees tests

CUPRA engineers have spent about two years testing the new Born at the 62km2 frozen lake circuit just a few miles from the Arctic Pole.

In this aggressive environment, where temperatures often reach -30 degrees, engineers used some advanced tech approaches in order to refine and enhance the driving capabilities of the Cupra Born. Now in the final stages of testing before launch, technicians are pushing the fully electric car to its limits in severe conditions.

The examinations include durability testing, where about 19,000 test miles have been accumulated day and night. The aim is to ensure that Born delivers the best possible performance even in the most extreme conditions. What the experts were also after is the optimization of the Dynamic Chassis Control and the flexibility of the dampers.

Despite being 2,500 miles away from the Technical Centre in Barcelona, the engineers used state-of-the-art technologies like 3D printers in order to ensure the best possible performance and dynamics.

SEE ALSO: The all-electric VW ID.4 completes its cross-country tour

The world premiere of the fully electric CUPRA will be in May this year. Stick with us for further information.

Source: Cupra

April 8, 2021
The all-electric VW ID.4 completes its cross-country tour

Volkswagen of America completed a drive across the US last week with the all-electric ID.4 EV. Starting in New York City in mid-March, the team has managed to cross the Stats and wrap up the tour in Sacramento, California in 18 days.

The route included Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Cleveland, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Savannah, Orlando, New Orleans, Dallas, Austin, Marfa, El Paso, Tucson, Phoenix, Joshua Tree, LA, San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento, among other cities. ID.4 was charged at 32 Electrify America charging stations, among a few other options like overnight charging at selected hotels.

The small team even created a daily vlog series to share their experience from each day. You can watch here.

As it comes to the charging stations, Electrify America is the largest open DC fast-charging network with more than 560 stations and more than 2,400 DC fast charges.

SEE ALSO: SEAT reveals details for new Leon Hatch and Estate models

As it comes to the vehicle itself, the ID.4 is VW’s first all-electric SUV and offers some enhanced driving dynamics, spacious interior, and tons of infotainment systems. Offered in four trim levels, the vehicle also offers numerous possibilities for personalization. Later in 2021 there will also be an AWD version available.

Stick with us for further details.

Source: Volkswagen

April 8, 2021
SEAT reveals details for new Leon Hatch and Estate models

SEAT further expands its range and reveals technical data for the new Leon lineup, brand’s best-selling model.

The new Leon Hatch 2.0 TSI DSG-auto 190hp and the Estate 2.0 TDI 115PS version come with up to 42.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 151g/km. The vehicle is capable of reaching 100km/h in 7.4 seconds and has a top speed of 144mph.

Furthermore, both models can be specified in FR Sport XCELLENCE and XCELLENCE Lux trims.

FR Hatch trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, sporty suspension, ambient lighting, SEAT drive profile selection, rain sensing wipers, Full Link Smartphone integration and dark-tinted rear windows.

On the other hand, XCELLENCE trim level offers electric folding door mirrors, keyless entry, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and 17-inch alloys.

Last, but not least, XCELLENCE Lux builds on XCELLENCE and adds leather upholstery, dynamic road sign display, High Beam Assist and predictive Adaptive Cruise Control.

As it comes to Leon Estate, it can also be specified in these trim levels and offers a top speed of 124mph and acceleration capability measured at 10.5 seconds for a 0-100km/h sprint. The engine offers up to 65.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 114g/km.

SEE ALSO: Honda announces new Special Editions for the Talon and Pioneer lineups

Both models can also be specified in Asphalt Blue, Magnetic Grey and Midnight Black.

Source: SEAT

April 7, 2021
Honda announces new Special Editions for the Talon and Pioneer lineups

Honda announced an expansion of the side-by-side lineup for 2021, with Special Edition versions of the Talon 1000 and Pioneer 1000 models. The SE versions of both two- and four-seat Talon come with an extended list of standard accessories. Along with these, buyers will also benefit from the exclusive Viper Urban Camo graphics, created through a special collaboration with TrueTimber.

Designed to enhance the off-road driving experience and add a touch of precision and quality, the Special Edition Talon brings Honda’s race engineering experience to mass production vehicles. This is why, along with the standard equipment, the Honda team also offers some aftermarket upgrades like a front bumper, winch kit, vented windscreen, light assembly, rear-view mirror and door lowers.

As it comes to the Pioneer lineup, this remains Honda’s ideal option for work and play, combining comfort, handling, and user-friendly features. Coming with a six-speed Dual Clutch gearbox, the SE Pioneer also can be specified in three- and five-seat versions and comes with improved performance, visual flair, and exclusive roof, windscreen, fender flares, winch kit, rear-view mirror, and LED light bar.

SEE ALSO: Hennessey: 30 years of high performance

Both SE Talon 1000 and Pioneer 1000 will be available in Summer 2021.

Source: Honda

April 7, 2021
Hennessey: 30 years of high performance

Building the world-renowned tuning business on the basis of strong family support is definitely the greatest thing that happened to John Hennessey. Back in 1991, he modified his 300GT VR4 daily driver and competed in the Pike Peak’s Hill Climb and Nevada Open Road Challenge races. Alongside modifying his vehicle, John also married the love of his life in this same 1991 and together founded a business that changed the face of motorsport tuning.

Shortly after founding the company, Hennessey turned his attention to boosting the performance of the new Dodge Viper. By 1997 he achieved an important accolade with his 650hp Hennessey Viper Venom GTS being the first to break 200mph. Since 2006, the company has included its own test track near its headquarters, and engineers are constantly tweaking and testing vehicles that can go above 234mph, for example, the 1000hp Ford GT and the HPE 600 Corvette C7 that can accelerate to 200mph.

By 2010, the business has built its own hypercar, the Hennessey Venom GT. Based on the Lotus Exige, the 1244hp machine weighs only 2743lb and is powered by a turbocharged Hennessey V8 that allows some pretty fast sprints: the vehicle is capable of accelerating from 0 to 200 mph in mere 14.51 seconds. Furthermore, this particular vehicle managed to set a Guinness record for the fastest 0-300kph time (13.63 seconds) in 2013, then set a new one in 2014, becoming the fastest production vehicle in the world with a top speed of 270.49.

The vehicle then presented another project – the 600hp Hennessey Velociraptor, generating 1000hp. Alongside this hyper track, the Hennessey team continued its work with models like 1000hp ZL1 Camaro – named The Exorcist – raising the profile of the business further still.

SEE ALSO: A VW collectioner shows his unique Golf Rallye. Check it out!

Today, alongside producing upwards of 500 customer cars a year, the Hennessey team focuses on the all-new 100 percent bespoke Venom F5 hypercar. This one generates 1817hp from the Hennessey-exclusive 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 and has a top speed of 311mph.

Source: Hennessey

April 7, 2021
Peugeot Enhances Fleet Appeal With Free2move Connect

PEUGEOT’s award-winning light commercial vehicle (LCV) range is now available with a six-month trial subscription for the FREE2MOVE Connect Fleet telematics service. Available for Partner, Expert and Boxer models, the advanced platform delivers enhanced efficiency safety and optimization.

Available on all PEUGEOT LCV orders from April 1^st, the Pack 3 – Geolocation service provides the most comprehensive data for the best fleet efficiency. Unique features include geolocation of all vehicles, timestamped tracking of routes and analysis of vehicle’s technical condition.

All the required hardware for Connect Fleet is already a part of the standard equipment in all PEUGEOT LCV models. This means that buyers can simply use the feature after activating the over-the-air subscription.

We’re delighted to offer this free six-month trial to our FREE2MOVE Fleet Connect telematics service on all PEUGEOT LCV models. Giving fleet managers unrivaled access and information about their vehicles, this great system helps them optimize use, drive down costs and increase safety. It adds further appeal to PEUGEOT’s already compelling range of award-winning vans. Julie David, Managing Director of Peugeot UK.

SEE ALSO: SEAT reveals details for new Leon Hatch and Estate models

As it comes to the lineup of vehicles itself, PEUGEOT has listed Partner, Expert and Boxer in the LCV range, all available with a wide variety of personalization options. These vehicles are also available with Blue HDi diesel engines. Furthermore, the appeal of the award-winning Partner was further boosted with its 2021 model lineup. The newcomer now features a refreshed trim structure alongside the new prices and new options for customization.

Source: PEUGEOT

April 7, 2021
A VW collectioner shows his unique Golf Rallye

Back in the 1980s, Steve Smith’s love for Golf was ignited – back in the day, his older brother bought a 1983 MK1 Golf, which made Steve fall in love with the vehicle’s performance presence.

Slowly, the two brothers started collecting vehicles and by 1999 they owned a total of five GTI models. Today, Steve’s collection includes 17 VW vehicles, many of which are Golfs. At the moment, Steve’s most treasured is a dark blue 1989 Golf Rallye.

In the late 1980s, VW created the Rallye lineup to compete at the 1990 motorsport competition in Brussels, Belgium. The model was largely distinctive from other Golf models due to the box-flared wheel arches and rectangular projector headlamps. In terms of the drivetrain system, the vehicle adopts a four-wheel-drive platform and cable-shifted gearbox with a G60-supercharged power unit, generating 160hp.

What makes Steve’s vehicle special, however, is that it is a part of a limited production lineup – there are only 5000 units sold. Also, there were only two units officially sent to the US for testing.

While Smith enjoys owning one of the rarest VW Golf vehicles in the US, he says that owning such a vehicle brings tons of responsibilities, but also rewarding experiences.

SEE ALSO: GMC announces details for the new HUMMER EV SUV

I love showing it to people who may not have heard of the Rallye but can immediately tell it’s a Golf and are curious, he said. And the people who do realize how rare it is always come up to talk to me about it. It creates a great connection between us Volkswagen fans.

Although 17 vehicles sound like a good number for a collection, Smith has already laid eyes on a new Golf model: the limited-edition MK2 with a G60-supercharged engine.

Source: VW

April 6, 2021
GMC announces details for the new HUMMER EV SUV

GMC’s electric super truck lineup expands with the addition of the 2024 HUMMER EV SUV, making its debut during the NCAA’s Final Four in a new commercial film narrated by LeBron James. This spot focuses on vehicle’s enhanced capabilities and exclusive features.

Based on a next-generation Ultium Platform, the new HUMMER EV SUV hits the market with an exclusive Edition 1, offering customer choice to equip the vehicle for optimal driving range and maximum off-road capability. This pack comes with large 22-inch premium wheels, assist steps, and floor liners.

There’s also a second pack, the Extreme Off-Road pack, which brings 18-inch wheels and 35-inch-OD MT tires, underbody armor, and rock sliders. There are also front locker and virtual rear lockers, heavy-duty ball-spline half shafts, UltraVision2 with underbody camera, and more.

SEE ALSO: Volvo XC40 Recharge receives a prestigious award from Good Housekeeping

It is expected that the vehicle will offer the best-in-class off-road proportions with tons of exclusive features. Some of these would include:

126.7-inch wheelbase with best-in-class off-road proportions, immersive interior design with Infinity Roof and Sky Panes, Ultium Drive System with 830hp and up to 11,500lb-ft of torque. Additionally, all HUMMER EV SUV models will come with an enhanced version of Super Cruise, which will aid drivers in getting the most out of the driver-assistance technologies.

Production is expected to begin in 2023, and the vehicles will have a starting price of $105,595USD.

https://youtu.be/HwLvqvcWEos

Source: GMC

April 6, 2021
Volvo XC40 Recharge receives a prestigious award from Good Housekeeping

Volvo XC40 Recharge, the first fully electric vehicle from the Swedish manufacturer has been named Best Electric Luxury Subcompact SUV by Good Housekeeping.

The Recharge offers everything that one would expect from Volvo, but also adding a fully electric AWD system with 402hp to the mix. The large 78 kWh battery can be fast-charged to 80 percent in about 40 minutes and cover a range of about 200 miles.

The Good Housekeeping Institute drives thousands of miles each year to find the best machine for families and test them in all kinds of different situations. The experts at the institute not only look for a well-built machine, but also for one that would bring pleasure and thrill to the driver and passengers. Convenience features like how comfortable the seats are and how much space there is for the driver, ease of using the tech gadgets and all kinds of infotainment systems are taken under consideration.

SEE ALSO: Nissan Ariya undergoes a comprehensive engineering program for even better performance [VIDEO]

Talking about infotainment, the new Volvo X40 Recharge introduces a new infotainment system powered by Android. It offers full integration of Android Automotive OS, Google’s open-source Android platform with real-time updates to all the services.

Volvo Cars’ plan is to launch a fully electric car every year in order to make the all-electric segment about 50 percent of global sales by 2025.

Source: Volvo

April 6, 2021
Ford introduces new “Smart Mirror” technology [VIDEO]

Ford introduces new “Smart Mirror” technology – this is a high-definition screen that displays a panoramic rear view for the driver of Transit and Transit Custom vans.

The Full Display Interior Mirror will aid drivers to spot cyclists, pedestrians, and other vehicles that might well are behind them, even when the windowless rear doors or partitions are in the way.

The display reveals what happens at the rear of the vehicle in real-time and features automatic brightness control for optimum visibility through the day-night cycle. Furthermore, the technology offers a field of view which is twice the width of a conventional rear-view mirror. This would help drivers to be more aware of the surroundings – when approaching roundabouts, changing lines, or simply when checking before merging.

SEE ALSO: Nissan Ariya undergoes a comprehensive engineering program for even better performance [VIDEO]

This new technology can be beneficial for delivery drivers that make frequent drop-offs in cities, where there are more likely to encounter those on bikes, scooters, or similar.

The mirror is already available for Ford Transit and Transit Custom vans fitted with windowless rear doors. The system can already be ordered from any Ford dealer.

https://youtu.be/mPGoEJ-TNZY

Source: Ford

April 5, 2021
Nissan Ariya undergoes a comprehensive engineering program for even better performance [VIDEO]

Nissan presents details of the new comprehensive testing programme behind Ariya’s excellent performance rates, enhanced comfort and elegant design.

Tested extensively by a team of experts at Nissan’s facility in Hokkaido, Japan, each element of the acceleration, performance and handling has been carefully reviewed and refined.

The rigorous development program uses an eclectic approach to meet the needs of all drivers around the world. Also, for better assessment and added customer reassurance, Ariya was tested locally to demonstrate its capabilities in European driving environments like tight corners, fast highways and mountain roads.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen ID.4 now part of the “Building an Electric Future” exhibit

Nissan’s experienced engineers in Japan and the research technicians at Nissan Technical Centre in Cranfield, UK, would share their insight and make all the changes that would contribute to even more agile and capable Ariya.

Through these insights and our colleagues’ detailed testing programme, we’re confident that Ariya will exceed our customers’ expectations

A behind-the-scenes look at the extensive testing conducted for Ariya can be viewed on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHN41XIjpgs

Source: Nissan

April 5, 2021