Tag Archives: goodbye

Chrysler 300 And Honda E: End Of An Era For Two Icons

It’s time to say goodbye to 2 auto business icons. The Chrysler 300 and Honda e are completely completely different in each means, from how they give the impression of being to who buys them. So what have they got in widespread? They each performed vital roles for the manufacturers that constructed them.

Here’s how the small Honda from Japan and the massive Chrysler from the States modified the automotive business. 

Polar Opposites

The Chrysler 300 is a big sedan powered by V6 or V8 engines, a few of which flip the 198.6 inch boat right into a throaty muscle car. The 300 borrowed bits from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class again when Daimler Chrysler was a factor. Once upon a time, it might match as much as now-dead rivals just like the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, and Toyota Avalon, amongst others. But now it is the final participant within the phase.

On the opposite hand, the Honda e is an electrical B-segment hatchback designed for the tastes of motorists in Japan and all through Europe. Its retro design is a callback to small, boxy metropolis automobiles however beneath exists a contemporary electrical powertrain. The Honda e was meant to be the model’s first mass-market EV, although it did not fairly work out that means.

A Lifesaver

The 300 gave Chrysler a world edge. In truth, the primary technology of the 300 (obtainable between 2004 and 2010) used many parts of the Mercedes E-Class W211. The second-generation debuted in 2011, although it was largely an replace of the unique.

Fiat’s takeover of Chrysler was a chance to increase the 300’s presence. In 2011, Lancia determined to rebadge the 300 and promote it in Europe because the Thema. The operation failed, with simply 6,000 models bought between 2011 and 2014. Approximately 1.4 million 300s have been bought (together with the aforementioned Themas) in virtually 20 years. The 300 was by no means an total best-selling automotive, however it did have an effect on the automotive world. If nothing else, it was a lifesaver for Chrysler.

As Iconic As It Is Unpopular

Meanwhile at Honda, the influence of the Honda e is not about gross sales quantity. It’s about how the small hatch put an electrical Honda on the map. Although the EV’s specs weren’t thoughts blowing, the Honda e captured the general public’s consideration because of its cute design. It’s additionally noteworthy as being the automobile that ushered Honda into the trendy mainstream battery-electric market. 

The little Honda e by no means wished to shake up the world of electrical automobiles, nevertheless. It had a excessive worth and restricted vary – huge limitations within the first section of the electrification period. The outcomes of which are fairly clear: Honda bought simply 12,500 models of this small automotive between 2020 and November 2023, with European quantity accounting for over 80 % of the full. And but, regardless of the lackluster gross sales, it is a automotive that will not be forgotten anytime quickly.

The creator of the article, Felipe Munoz, is the Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.

This Lotus EV Charger Adds 89 Miles Of Range In Five Minutes

Lotus is bidding farewell to internal combustion engines with the Emira sports car being the last ICE model from Norfolk. The Geely-owned brand has committed to go all-electric by 2028, starting with the Eletre SUV and Emeya sedan. A smaller crossover and a zero-emission sports car are also in the plans. To support its growing EV portfolio, the British brand is introducing multiple charging solutions.

Addressing charging anxiety, Lotus has developed a liquid-cooled DC charger capable of delivering 450 kilowatts of power. Charging the Eletre R for just five minutes will provide over 88 miles of range. For comparison, Tesla’s Supercharger V3 replenishes the battery for 75 miles of range in the same time while a Hyundai Ioniq 5 gives you 62 miles.

The liquid-cooled DC charger allows the Eletre R to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 20 minutes at 450 kW. At 350 kW, it can extend the range by 74 miles in five minutes. This robust charger is complemented by a power cabinet, also liquid-cooled, designed for rest areas along highways. Furthermore, Lotus has produced a charging unit capable of supporting up to four EVs simultaneously.

These high-power charging solutions are already operational in China and will be rolled out in Europe and the Middle East in the second quarter of 2024. Additional countries outside of these regions will be added later.

Lotus is part of the Geely empire, which also includes Polestar under the same corporate umbrella. Polestar is cooperating with StoreDot to develop a faster charging solution that would add 100 miles of range in five minutes, known as extreme fast charging (XFC). The technology is currently undergoing testing, with engineers claiming it won’t cause battery degradation.

The Final Audi TT Special Edition: Beautiful Green Paint and Gray Roof

Audi is bidding farewell to the TT. In February, the company announced that its beloved sports car was nearing the end of its production line, along with the R8 supercar. However, both vehicles are going out in style with a range of special trims, including the new TT Roadster Final Edition.

The Final Edition features Audi Exclusive Goodwood Green Pearl paint, paying homage to the first-generation TT, which offered this color as an option. For the first time ever, the roof is gray, matching the matte gray bumpers and side profile accents. Additionally, this Final Edition model is based on the S Line trim, with 20-inch wheels as standard.

While the previous S Line badges have been removed from the exterior and interior, the Final Edition replaces the standard brushed aluminum accents with carbon fiber. The seats are covered in beautiful Palomino Brown leather, described by Audi as a “modern interpretation” of the original TT’s baseball seats, although the similarities are not immediately apparent.

When it comes to performance, the TT Roadster Final Edition is equipped with a base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The TT can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds and comes with standard all-wheel drive and magnetic ride control, which lowers the ride height by 0.3 inches.

Only 50 units of the Final Edition will be available in the United States, so interested buyers need to act quickly. The Audi TT Roadster Final Edition is priced at $68,895, including the $1,095 destination fee. Other unique special-edition TT models are available in markets such as the UK, Japan, and Spain.

10 Cars From The ’90s That Were Better Than Everyone Remembers

The automotive world saw significant changes in the 1990s. Car manufacturers shifted from straight lines and boxy architecture to sleeker, more aerodynamically efficient designs. American consumers also began to favor SUVs over family sedans, and pickup trucks became lifestyle vehicles. In addition, engines became more refined and reliable while remaining powerful and easy to maintain. The cars of the 1990s were also highly tuneable and attracted a passionate following of enthusiasts. As we look back on this era, let’s not forget these 10 cars from the ’90s that continue to impress us today.

This list is based on information gathered from car manufacturers and reputable websites such as Car and Driver, Road & Track, and MotorTrend.

10 Nissan B13 Sentra SE-R

Production Years: 1991 To 1994

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The Nissan B13 Sentra SE-R, released in 1991, was a compact, lightweight, and agile vehicle that quickly gained popularity. It offered a fun driving experience at an affordable price, making it beloved by car enthusiasts. Powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 140 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, the Sentra SE-R delivered impressive performance. It was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 MPH in around 7.5 seconds and had excellent handling for navigating corners.

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Nissan

Production Years

1991-1994

Configuration

Inline-Four

Displacement

2.0-Liters

Power

140 Horsepower

Torque

132 Pound-Feet

RELATED: 20 Best JDM Cars Of The 90s

9 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe (SC)

Production Years: 1989 – 1995

Wikimedia Commons

The Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe, produced from 1989 to 1995, offered a bold sports car look that set it apart from its competitors. Powered by a supercharged 3.8-liter V-6 engine, the Super Coupe delivered impressive performance with 210 to 230 horsepower and 310 to 330 pound-feet of torque. It was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 MPH in around seven seconds. Unfortunately, slow sales led to the discontinuation of the Thunderbird Super Coupe after 1995.

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Ford

Production Years

1989 to 1995

Configuration

V-6

Displacement

3.8 Liters

Power

210 to 230 Horsepower

Torque

310 to 330 Pound-Feet

Best Used Cars That Comply with ULEZ Standards


Ford Mondeo

The Ford Mondeo is no longer in production, but you can still find ULEZ-compliant models made until 2021. For example, a 1.5-litre petrol version with 65,000 miles on the clock can be found for under £8,000.

Jaguar XF

The Jaguar XF is an elegant saloon car with many used options available for as little as £6,500. This includes both petrol and diesel models, such as a ULEZ-compliant 2.0-litre 178bhp diesel from 2016.

Volvo S60

While most diesel versions of the Volvo S60 are not compliant with ULEZ standards, you can find a compliant one-owner 2.0-litre diesel from 2018 with 56,000 miles for £12,999. Alternatively, a petrol version of a similar age will cost around £13,000.

Skoda Superb

The Skoda Superb is a practical and reliable car with excellent turbocharged engines. Prices start from around £13,000 for a 1.5-litre petrol version, while a well-equipped diesel version can be found for as low as £10,000.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes C-Class is a premium saloon car known for its comfort and advanced technology. It is available with petrol and diesel engines. For example, a 2017 diesel model can be found for £13,250, while a 2015 petrol model is priced at £11,499.

ULEZ-compliant estates

Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer

The Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer is a spacious estate car that offers a larger interior than many SUVs. It provides a pleasant driving experience as well. Low-mileage second-generation models can be purchased for around £11,000.

Ford Focus Estate

The Ford Focus Estate may not be the largest estate car, but it is still spacious enough for family vacations and offers a pleasant driving experience. It is available with 1.0 and 1.5-litre petrol engines, as well as 1.5 and 2.0-litre diesel engines. A tidy five-year-old model can be found for around £15,000, but if you consider a 10-year-old model, prices can go below £10,000.