News

Here’s Why Elon Musk Is Slashing The Price Of The Tesla Model 3

Tesla is once again reducing its prices. This is the sixth time the automaker has cut the prices of its models in 2023. Earlier this year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk surprised many by implementing price cuts of up to 20 percent in the U.S. and up to 17 percent in the European markets. As a result, the Tesla Model 3 became eligible for electric vehicle tax credits, solidifying its position as one of the most affordable EVs in the U.S. However, these price cuts have impacted Tesla’s profit margins, which have seen a sharp drop in the last quarter. Despite this, Musk believes that reducing prices is a calculated move to ensure long-term success for Tesla.

Sacrificing Today’s Profits For Tomorrow’s Rewards

Musk is willing to sacrifice short-term profits in order to set Tesla up for long-term success. The goal is to attract more customers and gain a competitive advantage over traditional automakers. Although the price cuts are eating into profits now, Musk believes it will pay off in the future. This strategy has sparked an EV price war, with other companies facing a dilemma on whether to follow Tesla’s lead. Only time will tell if this strategy will work in Tesla’s favor.

Tesla Is Striving To Capture A Larger Market Share

Tesla aims to capture a larger share of the automotive market currently dominated by traditional car manufacturers. Musk is pursuing a higher volume and larger fleet approach to achieve this. By slashing prices, Tesla has forced other automakers to adjust their EV prices in response. This move is aimed at enticing potential customers away from traditional automakers and towards Tesla. While competitors are hesitant to lower prices due to the impact on profit margins, Musk is confident that Tesla’s strategy will result in increased market share.

Musk Is Adapting To The Increasing Competition In The Market

Tesla is facing competition from both traditional automakers and new EV market entrants. Musk recognizes the need to adapt to this increasing competition, especially in key markets like China. The company is countering this competition by not only reducing prices but also by developing new models and employing innovative manufacturing techniques to lower production costs.

It’s The Best Way To Boost Sales

Musk believes that selling a large number of EVs at a lower margin is a more effective strategy. By reducing prices, Tesla aims to make EVs more affordable and accessible to a wider range of customers. This approach is intended to increase demand and penetrate the market further. Price cuts have already been implemented in various countries, resulting in increased demand and eligibility for electric vehicle tax credits.

Motorsport

Former Audi CEO Fined $1.2M, Gets Suspended Sentence For Dieselgate Role

Last month, former Audi CEO Rupert Stadler admitted his involvement in the Dieselgate scandal to avoid a prison sentence. Today, a Munich court issued a verdict in the case, imposing a fine of over one million euros on Stadler and giving him a suspended sentence of one year and nine months.

When Stadler agreed to confess in May, he also agreed to pay a fine that Prosecutors had proposed to be as high as €2 million. However, the judge ruled that he would only have to pay €1.1 million ($1.2 million at the current exchange rate). Authorities arrested Stadler in 2018, and he has been on trial since 2020 for his role in the scandal that first came to light in September 2015.

In September 2015, the US Environmental Protection Agency announced that it had uncovered Volkswagen’s violation of the Clean Air Act. It was not until November 2016 that the agency implicated Audi. The German automaker used software to manipulate US emissions tests on its diesel vehicles.

Stadler is the first Volkswagen board member to be sentenced for his involvement in the scandal. However, other employees also received sentences this week. Former Audi executive Wolfgang Hatz and an engineer were also found guilty and given fines and suspended sentences. There are still ongoing cases against former VW CEO Martin Winterkorn and other former VW managers.

The scandal has also been costly for the automaker. Volkswagen Group has been fined billions of dollars in the US and other countries where it sold its non-compliant vehicles. Recently, South Korea fined Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen for conspiring to cheat the country’s emissions standards.

Audi is making efforts to put the scandal behind it by focusing on electric vehicles despite lagging behind the competition. VW Group CEO Oliver Blume stated last week that he intends to accelerate the development of electric vehicles for the Audi brand, which has been plagued by “severe software problems”. Next year, the company will launch the Q6 E-Tron on a new platform and release its final combustion-powered car in 2025.

News

Roush Performance Introduces Its New 2023 Super Duty Truck

Roush Performance, a renowned company in the performance vehicle industry, has announced its latest creation, the 2023 Super Duty truck. This vehicle promises enhanced performance, stylish design, and premium build quality, setting it apart in the world of high-performance automotive engineering.

The 2023 Super Duty is a fully customizable truck built on the foundations of the Ford F-250 or F-350 Lariat trims. It runs on a powerful 6.7L turbo-diesel V-8 engine, providing ample power and torque for all driving situations.

This truck features numerous upgrades designed to maximize performance and improve handling. It boasts a dual-tipped performance exhaust system, a Roush/Fox suspension for off-road adventures, and an uprated braking system with rugged off-road wheels and tires for optimal grip, durability, and safety. Additionally, it offers ten unique exterior shades for personalization.

Inside the cabin, the 2023 Super Duty showcases a distinctive high-flow front grille with integrated lighting, giving the truck a bold and stylish appearance. The interior is equally impressive, with embroidered Roush headrests, premium leather seating options, and a practical yet elegant design. The truck also comes with WeatherTech floor liners for easy maintenance.

Roush Performance offers customization options through its Roush and Ready packages. The standard package includes a high-flow grille, custom front bumper cover, fender flares with clearance lighting, a performance suspension system, a performance exhaust system, Roush off-road wheels, and much more. Optional upgrades are available at an additional cost.

The 2023 Super Duty by Roush Performance is a powerful truck that combines power, elegance, and customization. With a starting price of $13,400 in addition to the base vehicle’s cost and a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, it offers an exceptional driving experience and peace of mind for prospective buyers. To learn more about this impressive truck and other performance parts and vehicles by Roush, visit their website or connect with a local Roush dealer.

Motorsport

Koenigsegg Teases Jesko Absolut Speed Record Attempts “In Due Time”

It’s June 2023, and so far no automaker has officially established a top speed record of 300 mph for a production car. In 2019, there were expectations that several street-legal production vehicles would surpass this remarkable limit. However, none have accomplished this feat yet. In a recent Instagram post, Koenigsegg, the Swedish hypercar brand, teased the possibility of attempting a speed record. The post showcases images of the Agera RST, which is essentially an Agera RSN equipped with the 1,360-horsepower engine from the Koenigsegg One:1. The caption of the post mentions Koenigsegg’s previous speed records, including the recent 0-249-0 mph record set by the Regera. It concludes by confirming that the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut will “challenge these records in due time.”

The Jesko Absolut, which debuted in 2020, is Koenigsegg’s version specifically designed to exceed 300 mph. Although it has been in pre-production testing, little information has been released about its performance. With this social media post hinting at record attempts, it seems that we may finally witness the true capabilities of Koenigsegg’s ultimate speed machine.

Koenigsegg is no stranger to speed records. The Regera currently holds records for acceleration and braking, and the Agera RS is known for reaching an impressive top speed of 277.8 mph. If we look at top-speed testing in a technical sense, the Agera RS still holds the title for the fastest production-spec homologated road car. The SSC Tuatara recorded a speed of 282.9 mph earlier in 2021, but it wasn’t a road-legal car.

News

How Ram Pickup Trucks Can Regain Dominance in the Market

When it comes to trucks in America, Ram is one of the top brands along with Chevy, Ford, GMC, and Toyota. However, Ram has been struggling to compete with its competitors in recent times. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Ram’s declining sales and how they can regain dominance in the market.

The Ram 1500 Vs. America’s Most Loved Pick-Up – The Ford F-150

One of the main factors contributing to Ram’s decline in sales is its competition with the Ford F-150. Let’s compare the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150:

Model

Ram 1500

Ford F-150

Starting Price

$37,410

$33,695

Max Payload

2,300 Pounds

3,325 Pounds

Max Towing

12,750 Pounds

14,000

Max Power

395 Horsepower/410 pound-feet of torque

430 Horsepower/570 pound-feet of torque

RELATED: 2023 Ford F-150 Vs. 2023 Ram 1500

Ram trucks used to be sold under the Dodge nameplate. In 2009, Dodge and Ram split up, with Ram taking over the truck department. This separation allowed Ram to focus on trucks specifically and led to improvements in their products. Over time, Ram trucks gained popularity in the market.

The Ram Offered A Unique Approach To Pickups

Ram’s success can be attributed to the unique approach they took with their trucks. While other brands focused on making trucks more luxurious, Ram targeted a different audience. They appealed to people who preferred functionality and mechanical features over excessive luxury. This approach resonated with buyers and helped Ram become the second-best-selling truck in America.

Ram also offered better pricing compared to its competitors, allowing customers to get more features for less money. This combination of better features and affordability made Ram trucks highly desirable.

RELATED: Chevrolet Silverado vs. Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500: Best American Full-Size Pickup In 2023

Sadly, Ram’s Market Strategy Didn’t Stick For Long

While Ram initially found success with its unique approach, they made some mistakes along the way that impacted their sales. One of the key issues is the low payload capacity of the Ram 1500 and 2500 due to the use of a coil-sprung rear end. This design sacrifices payload and towing abilities without a suitable helper system like airbags.

Another problem is the lack of powerful engines in the Ram trucks compared to competitors like Chevy and Ford. The heavy-duty drivetrains needed to support more powerful engines would further compromise the already limited payload capacity.

Lastly, Ram’s trucks are outdated and priced higher than competitors. This combination of outdated features and high prices has contributed to the decline in sales.

RELATED: Pick Up Truck Drag Race: RAM 1500 TRX vs Ford ROUSH F-150

Ram Can Redeem Itself Relatively Easily

Despite the decline, Ram still has a strong reputation in the truck market, which presents an opportunity for them to bounce back. To regain dominance, Ram must address the issues mentioned above. They should introduce new models with improved payload capacity and updated features.

While the coil-sprung rear end can remain, the addition of load-bearing helper systems like airbags or hydraulic dampers will enhance the suspension and improve payload and towing capabilities. Interior updates and more advanced infotainment systems are also necessary to compete with the luxurious offerings from competitors.

Additionally, Ram should consider tapping into the compact and mid-size truck segments, which are growing in popularity. Offering options in these segments will attract customers looking for more affordable and manageable trucks. Rumors of a mid-size Ram Dakota revival and the introduction of the Rampage compact pickup in Brazil indicate that Ram is already heading in the right direction.

Motorsport

Porsche Teases Mystery 911 For June 29 Debut

Porsche France has released a teaser for what could be a new variant or special edition of the 911. The mystery vehicle will make its debut on June 29, coinciding with the Le Mans Classic event. In the background of the teaser is the Porsche 356 SL, which was the winner in the 1,100 cc class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1951.

The team at Motor1.com reached out to Porsche for more information about this vehicle, but the US team didn’t have any additional details.

 

We have enhanced the image to get a clearer view of this 911. Based on what we can see, it appears to be a standard model. There is a “911” badge below the “Porsche” wordmark. The lower bumper is partially visible and seems to be the same as the current Carrera model. The paint color appears to be a very dark shade of gray or black.

Based on what we can see, it doesn’t seem like the vehicle in this teaser is the upcoming 911 ST. Spy shots (shown below) reveal that it has a completely different rear bumper design compared to the vehicle Porsche plans to reveal on June 29.

Porsche has a rich history at Le Mans, with 19 overall wins and 108 class victories, making it the most successful marque at the race. However, in the 2023 edition of the 24-hour race, the company faced challenges, with its highest-placed car finishing ninth in the Hypercar class.


Motorsport

New BMW M2 Receives Two Body Kits by Alpha-N Inspired by Previous Models

Alpha-N Performance has recently unveiled two customized versions of the BMW M2 coupe. These include the M2 GT, a more aggressive variant with a striking body kit, and the Project “Silver” model that boasts a more subtle appearance.

The Alpha-N M2 GT showcases a comprehensive carbon body kit, featuring a prominent rear wing and a rear diffuser insert. Additionally, the tuner has added a lip spoiler, front fender vents, a new grille, and a hood with a large air outlet at the front. The engine compartment includes a carbon engine cover.


Motorsport

2024 Ram Rampage Initial Batch Sold Out in Just 28 Minutes

In Brazil, the highly-anticipated Ram Rampage has made its debut, providing the market with a compact, unibody pickup that shares a striking resemblance to the larger Ram 1500. The response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive, as Ram reported that the initial batch of 500 pickups were completely sold out within a mere 28 minutes of the automaker opening online orders.

All 500 trucks in this batch were equipped with the Elite Pack as standard, a package typically available for an additional cost of $1,250 (6,000 Brazilian Reais). The Elite Pack includes attractive features such as LED running lights, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and a high-quality 10-speaker Harmon-Kardon stereo system.


Motorsport

Pontiac Fiero With Ferrari F50 Body Kit Dreams Of V12 Power, Still Has V6

This article discusses a unique car for sale on Cars & Bids—a 1985 Pontiac Fiero transformed into a replica of the iconic Ferrari F50. Although the car looks like a Ferrari, it’s important to note that it is, in fact, a Pontiac Fiero. This particular model is a GT with a V6 engine located behind the driver. If you’re interested in adding this peculiar F50 replica to your collection, you’ll need to act fast as the auction ends on June 28.

According to the listing, creating this imitation Ferrari was quite an undertaking. The original Fiero’s chassis was elongated and widened, and various fiberglass body panels were added. The details about the exact modifications are not provided, but there is a noticeable difference in proportions, particularly in the distance between the lower rockers and the door frames. The front of the car is elongated, resembling the real F50, except for the unconventional dual chins beneath the corner intakes. Additionally, the hood’s angle and the rear of the car may not be completely accurate, but overall, this kit car conversion is not the worst we’ve seen.


Motorsport

Limited-Edition Ferrari SF90 Spider With 1,100 HP Rolls Out From Mansory

Mansory is known for its daring and unconventional creations in the automotive world. As an aftermarket specialist and tuner, the company fearlessly embraces the challenge of altering the appearance and performance of today’s high-performance cars. Its latest creation is a modified Ferrari that combines a significant power boost with an eye-catching body kit, ensuring it stands out in its limited production run.

The new offering from Mansory, named the F9XX Tempesta Celeste, is based on the Ferrari SF90 Spider. Only three of these limited-edition vehicles will be produced. Earlier this year, Mansory showcased a gray-blue example of the SF90 Spider, and now it introduces a white version that accentuates the striking carbon-fiber body kit. The company has incorporated an aggressive aero kit, featuring numerous forged carbon-fiber add-ons, including a two-piece rear spoiler.


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