Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed its highly anticipated CLE Coupe. The new two-door hardtop, which replaces both the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe, is set to hit the market early next year. After numerous spy photos, we can now see the 2024 CLE Coupe in all its glory.
Let’s start with the most exciting news – the CLE Coupe is not just a two-door version of the C-Class. While it shares the same 112.8-inch wheelbase as the C-Class, it is 4.0 inches longer, measuring a total length of 191.0 inches. This means it is not only longer than the outgoing C-Class Coupe by 6.5 inches but also slightly longer than the E-Class Coupe by six-tenths of an inch. Interestingly, the two-door model is only 1.1 inches shorter than the long-wheelbase C-Class designed specifically for the Chinese market.
In the late 1950s, Volkswagen began working on a rear-engine prototype that was intended to replace the Beetle. It took three years of development before the prototype, known as the EA97, was completed in 1960. Unlike other experimental Beetle replacements, Volkswagen was so impressed with the design that they hand-built around 200 two-door sedans based on the EA97.
The EA97 featured an elongated, almost pontoon-shaped body and was powered by a 1.1-liter opposed 4-cylinder engine. It had a spacious trunk in the front, adding to its practicality. Volkswagen was so confident in the EA97 that they even started setting up a production line for it. However, as the project neared completion, Volkswagen reconsidered and ultimately decided that the EA97 was too similar to both the Beetle and the Type 3, which was also under development and was eventually released in 1961. Consequently, Volkswagen cancelled the project altogether.
Interestingly, traces of the EA97 can be found in a later Volkswagen model called the Brasilia. The Brasilia was a compact, rear-engine vehicle designed and built in Brazil, primarily for the South American market. Some automotive enthusiasts believe that the design of the Brasilia incorporates elements from the EA97, linking it back to the Beetle replacement concept.
Concept vehicles don’t come much crazier than the Dodge Tomahawk, a four-wheeled ‘motorcycle’ powered by an 8.3-liter V-10 engine from a Dodge Viper. The Dodge Tomahawk’s top speed was rated at 420 mph, but no one ever was foolish enough to try it out. Had someone tried it, it could’ve been the fastest motorcycle in the world. Only one was built by Dodge, but nine others were constructed by Neiman Marcus and sold for $550,000 each!
The Dodge Tomahawk was unveiled in 2003 as a one-off concept vehicle. It was designed by Chrysler Group employees Bob Schroeder and Dave Chyz. While it gained massive publicity for the Chrysler Group, it was never intended for production. However, nine replicas were built by Neiman Marcus and sold to enthusiasts. Here are 15 must-know facts about the Dodge Tomahawk:
Is The Dodge Tomahawk A Car Or A Motorcycle?
The Dodge Tomahawk has a car engine and four wheels, but it has the design and styling of a motorcycle. It is considered a motorcycle because it has one seat, two-foot pedals, handlebars, and handbrakes, which are all defining characteristics of a motorcycle.
Dodge Tomahawk Had A Truly Unique Suspension System
The Dodge Tomahawk featured a unique suspension system to accommodate its four wheels. It used independent suspension on both the front and rear, allowing a 45-degree lean in either direction without lifting any tires off the ground. This ensured that all four tires remained in contact with the surface during cornering.
Dodge Tomahawk Wasn’t Road Legal
Due to its status as a concept vehicle, the Dodge Tomahawk was not road legal and did not undergo street-use testing or conform to regulations. Even the replicas sold by Neiman Marcus were not street legal. The bikes were marketed as “rolling sculptures,” but buyers would have to make modifications to make them road legal.
Dodge Claimed the Top Speed Of The Tomahawk Was 420 MPH
The Dodge Tomahawk was claimed to have a top speed of 420 mph, based on the horsepower of the Dodge Viper engine. However, the motorcycle was never officially tested on the track to verify this top speed.
Tomahawk Had A Racing Transmission To Handle The Excessive Torque
To handle the torque and power of the V-10 engine, the Dodge Tomahawk featured a foot-shifted, two-speed aluminum-cased sequential racing-style transmission. The clutch was activated by a hand lever, and the rear tires were driven by a chain.
Tomahawk Had Upgraded Brakes To Stop The Excessive Power
The Dodge Tomahawk was equipped with 20-inch stainless steel disc brake rotors, one per wheel. The front and rear brakes had two four-piston calipers each, for a total of 16 pistons. The braking system was designed to effectively stop the powerful motorcycle.
The Dodge Tomahawk Was Only Produced For Four Years
While Dodge only built one concept vehicle, Neiman Marcus produced nine replicas of the Dodge Tomahawk between 2003 and 2006. These replicas were sold for $550,000 each and were built due to demand and positive response after the concept vehicle’s unveiling in 2003.
No One Ever Published A Road Test
As the Dodge Tomahawk was not road legal, no publication or media outlet was able to conduct a road test. Therefore, the top speed and practicality of the vehicle remain unknown, as it was never officially tested on the track.
Dodge Built The Tomahawk To Make A Point
The Dodge Tomahawk was built as a concept vehicle to showcase the engineering and technical capabilities of the Chrysler Group. It was designed to create interest and demonstrate the company’s ambition and innovation in the automotive industry. The Tomahawk represented Dodge’s willingness to take risks and think outside the box.
The Dodge V-10 Engine Was Unveiled In 1992
The Dodge V-10 engine, powering the Tomahawk, was first unveiled in 1992. It initially featured a displacement of 7,990cc and produced 400 horsepower. The engine was later upgraded to produce over 500 horsepower in its third generation.
The Engineering For The Dodge Tomahawk Was Pretty Wild
The engineering behind the Dodge Tomahawk was impressive and unique. To keep the bike low, the engine was changed to dry sump lubrication, and the cooling radiators were placed in the “V” of the engine. The bike featured innovative swing arms, hub-center steering, and rim-mounted disc brake rotors. The rear suspension could be locked, allowing the Tomahawk to stand independently without a side stand.
The Tomahawk Chassis Components Were Milled From Billet Aluminum
The main chassis components of the Tomahawk were milled from billet aluminum. Starting from massive 750-pound billets, they were machined down to just 25 pounds each, resulting in lightweight yet strong components to support the V-10 engine.
The Dodge Tomahawk Is Enormous
The Dodge Tomahawk weighs approximately 1,500 pounds, making it significantly heavier than traditional motorcycles. The weight is necessary to provide stability and keep the powerful V-10 engine grounded.
The Press Reaction Was Critical
The initial press reaction to the Dodge Tomahawk was critical, with some considering it a wild and outrageous concept. The Tomahawk received mixed reviews, with critics questioning its design and purpose. However, the public’s reaction was more positive, expressing awe and interest in the unique motorcycle concept.
The “Wow” And The “Why” Of The Tomahawk
The Dodge Tomahawk garnered both “Wow” and “Why” reactions from the public. While many were amazed by its design and performance capabilities, others questioned the practicality and necessity of such a vehicle. Ultimately, Dodge created the Tomahawk as an expression of their engineering prowess and a showcase of their innovative spirit.
The upcoming 2024 Honda Prologue will come equipped with Google features, including Google Maps. This is separate from Android Auto, which also offers Google Maps. One of the standout features highlighted by Honda is that Google Maps can optimize long-distance routes based on EV recharging, finding charging stations along the way, and selecting the fastest route to them. Honda also mentioned that Google Maps will estimate the charging time needed to reach the destination and can initiate preconditioning of the EV battery when the destination is a DC fast charging station. This can significantly reduce fast charge times and allow drivers to travel long distances with minimal delays.
When it comes to video editing, many Mac users rely on iMovie, which is a pre-installed and free-to-use software. However, iMovie has its limitations and might not meet everyone’s needs. While there are premium options like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro available, they can be expensive.
Fortunately, Mac users can explore DaVinci Resolve, a completely free video editing software that offers a lot of functionality even in its basic version. Although there is a paid version, the free version of DaVinci Resolve surpasses iMovie with features such as color correction, 8K editing, and visual effects.
In the world of mid-size SUVs, two brands that come to mind are Honda and Toyota. Both brands competed fiercely to make the superior mid-size SUV over the years. For 2023, Honda has built the Pilot completely new from the ground up and Toyota has revealed a whole new SUV on its own, the Grand Highlander.
Both SUVs are meant to comfortably seat the entire family but they both have a different approach. The Honda Pilot is known for its practicality and build quality whereas the Grand Highlander is a more premium and luxurious SUV with a refined interior and driving experience, especially when you consider that it is a model from a main stream brand like Toyota.
A front shot of the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport off-roading.
For 2023, the Honda Pilot comes in six trim levels: LX, Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, and Elite. The base price starts at $37,645 and comes with only one powertrain. The Pilot comes with the same 3.5 liter V-6 from the previous model but produces more power.
The trim that may stand out the most to buyers is the TrailSport model, which is Honda’s take on an off-road version of the Pilot. Honda has made some notable upgrades to the TrailSport to make it a proper off-roading SUV. Honda added an off-road-tuned suspension, which includes a one-inch lift for additional ground clearance. They also added a skid plate as well as the TrailWatch camera system which uses four exterior cameras to help drivers when they are off the beaten path. All these features and more are exclusive only to the TrailSport.
When it comes to the powertrain, the V-6 produces 285 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque as opposed to the previous generation which made 280 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional. The front-wheel drive model has an estimated EPA of 19 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway, and a combined EPA of 22 MPG. The all-wheel drive model has a slightly worse gas mileage with an EPA estimated of 19 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and a combined EPA of 21 MPG.
All models come with a new 10-speed automatic transmission which shifts smoothly. The engine is more responsive than the previous generation and the steering is more precise and refined. In terms of driving, the Pilot has a tight steering circle which makes maneuvering around town much easier than other mid-size SUVs. With all the extra power, the front-wheel drive model can tow up to 3,500 pounds and the all-wheel drive model can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Stepping inside, all models come standard with a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster as well as a 7-inch infotainment screen. The TrailSport, Touring, and Elite models come with a larger 9-inch infotainment screen and only the Elite model comes with a larger 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trim levels.
The Pilot has one of the most spacious cabins in the segment. All models can seat up to eight passengers but the EX-L trim can be optioned with second-row captain’s chairs which seat seven passengers. The TrailSport comes standard with the captain’s chairs and the Touring and Elite models come with a second-row seat design which can be removed and stored away when not needed. With 39.3 inches of headroom and 32.5 inches of legroom, the third row is spacious enough for children as well as adults.
The Grand Highlander Offers More Powerful and Efficient Powertrains
Toyota
A front shot of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander comes in five trim levels: XLE, Limited, Platinum, MAX Limited, and MAX Platinum. The base price starts at $43,070 which is significantly higher than the Pilot. Toyota offers two engine choices and three powertrains for the Grand Highlander. The gasoline engine makes 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and the base hybrid engine makes 245 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
The Hybrid MAX models come with a more powerful hybrid engine which makes 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional. As far as efficiency goes, the gas powertrain offers 24 MPG combined for the XLE front-wheel drive; the hybrid can do 36 MPG combined for the XLE front-wheel drive and the Hybrid MAX can offer upto 27 MPG combined.
The gasoline engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The smaller hybrid engine comes with a CVT transmission while the more powerful hybrid engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. Even though the steering is light, it can still go through corners easily. When it comes to towing, it is the same as the Pilot. The front-wheel drive model can tow 3,500 pounds and the all-wheel drive can tow 5,000 pounds.
The Grand Highlander Is Not Just A Bigger Highlander
Toyota
A shot of the dashboard in a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Toyota has taken a different approach with the Grand Highlander. Unlike most of its other vehicles, the Grand Highlander was built with luxury and comfort in mind and this becomes evidently clear when you step inside the cabin. The interior has a surprisingly premium feel with good materials across the door panels and the dashboard. At first glance, the cabin seems to share some aspects with Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus.
The overall layout and aesthetics like the steering wheel and the infotainment are very similar to some Lexus vehicles. All of this just proves that Toyota didn’t intend to make the Grand Highlander like the regular Highlander. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, is standard across all models, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
By merely hearing the name, one might think that the Grand Highlander is just a bigger Highlander. Although that is true, the Grand is a completely new vehicle that is not just a bigger version of the Highlander. Not only is the Grand Highlander larger in every way, but it also looks completely different.
The Grand Highlander can seat seven or eight depending on the trim and the seat configurations. The cabin is impressively spacious for the passengers to enjoy the ride. The third row has 37.2 inches of headroom and 33.5 inches of legroom which is more than sufficient for children and adults can also sit comfortably. When it comes to technology, the Grand Highlander comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which is standard across all models, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In conclusion, the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Grand Highlander are two formidable contenders in the mid-size SUV segment. When it comes to deciding which one to buy, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities The Pilot excels in practicality and overall value. It is also a solid choice for those who are interested in off-roading.
On the other hand, the Grand Highlander offers a far more premium package and better gas mileage. It is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious and refined SUVs Toyota has made in recent history. Regardless of which SUV you choose to buy, they both prioritize safety and comfort for the whole family.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
