Tag Archives: longawaited

Motorsport

Tesla Cybertruck Towing Specs Leaked: Here’s How It Compares To Gas Pickups

The Tesla Cybertruck’s highly anticipated debut is on November 30, but a leaked poster (below) on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, reportedly from a sign at the San Diego Tesla store, provides an early look at the pickup’s towing and payload figures. The vehicle can carry 2,500 pounds in the cargo bed and tow 11,000 pounds. Let’s compare these numbers with the traditional, combustion-powered trucks from Chevrolet, Ford, and Ram.

Before delving into the comparison, it’s worth mentioning that a VIN decoder indicates two variants of the Cybertruck are on the way, likely indicating two- and three-motor powertrains. The lighter version has a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,001 to 9,000 pounds, and the heavier one’s GVWR is 9,001 to 10,000 pounds. Unfortunately, the promotional image doesn’t specify which variant of the truck these payload and towing specs belong to.

Tesla Cybertruck Leaked Image

Payload

A pickup’s payload refers to the maximum weight the vehicle can carry, including cargo in the bed and passengers. The Tesla Cybertruck’s 2,500-pound capacity puts it ahead of the Silverado, Ford F-150, and Ram 1500. However, these trucks are also lighter than Tesla’s electric offering. Therefore, figures for heavy-duty trucks from Detroit are also included in the table below. These models can carry several thousand pounds more than the Cybertruck.

Model Payload Difference Versus Cybertruck
Tesla Cybertruck 2,500 lbs N/A
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2,260 lbs -240 lbs
Chevrolet Silverado HD 7,234 lbs 4,734 lbs
Ford F-150 2,455 lbs -45 lbs
Ford Super Duty 8,000 lbs 5,500 lbs
Ram 1500 2,300 lbs -200 lbs
Ram HD 7,680 lbs 5,180 lbs

Towing Capacity


News

BMW Motorrad Introduces New Vario Hard Luggage System For 2024 R 1300 GS

BMW Motorrad has unveiled the highly anticipated 2024 R 1300 GS, the brand’s flagship motorcycle. The redesign has received mixed opinions from fans, but one thing that everyone agrees on is the need for a reliable luggage system for this adventure touring bike.

That’s why BMW Motorrad has announced a new Vario luggage system specifically designed to fit the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS. It includes two hard side cases and a top case, all made of anodized aluminum and black plastic to match the bike’s aesthetic.


2024 BMW R 1300 GS - Vario Luggage 9

15 Photos

All three cases in the Vario luggage system are now electrified and include integrated lighting for easy access. The left Vario side case and the top case also have USB-A charging ports for on-the-go charging of electronic devices. The system is compatible with the keyless entry feature of the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, and mechanical keys are provided as a backup.

Vario Volume Adjustability 

The Vario cases come with a handwheel for easy storage volume adjustment. The side cases have a standard capacity of 49 liters, but by using the volume adjusters, they can hold up to approximately 54.5 liters. The top case has a standard capacity of 28 liters, which can be increased to 36 liters.

But Wait, There’s More 

In addition to the Vario cases, the R 1300 GS allows riders to attach extra luggage to both the side cases and the top case. The system has a maximum load capacity of 10 kilograms (22 pounds) per side for the Vario cases and 6 kilograms (13.2 pounds) for the top case. Additional one kilogram (2.2 pounds) can be lashed to each Vario side case and two kilograms (4.4 pounds) to the top case.

BMW also offers Vario inner bags for better organization of items inside the luggage. It’s important to note that this specific Vario luggage system is designed exclusively for the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS and is not compatible with other models.

Pricing and Availability 

Pricing and availability details have not been announced yet. For the most accurate information, it is recommended to contact your local authorized BMW Motorrad dealer.

News

Official: ZEV mandate confirms car makers must sell 22% EVs in 2024

The government has finally confirmed details of the long-awaited zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate ahead of its implementation in just three months’ time.

Starting from 1 January 2024, the government has confirmed that 22% of all manufacturers’ new car sales in the UK must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).

This percentage will gradually increase over the years, reaching 28% in 2025, 33% in 2025, 38% in 2027, 52% in 2028, 66% in 2029, 80% in 2030, and finally 100% in 2035, when sales of new hybrid cars will be banned. Specific increments between 2030 and 2035 have yet to be finalized.

Manufacturers who fail to meet the target will face fines, although the specific form of these fines has not been outlined yet.

This announcement comes one week after the government delayed the 2030 ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to 2035.

As part of the ZEV mandate, the government has approved flexibility measures for manufacturers who exceed or cannot reach the required ZEV targets.

Through a trading scheme, car makers can save compliance in years when they exceed the annual targets and use it in future years, or trade it with manufacturers that have fallen short. In the first year, car manufacturers can borrow up to 75% of their annual target, which will decrease to 25% in 2026 to support them in the early stages.

Grants have also been reintroduced, but not for car buyers. The mandate includes a plug-in van grant of up to £2500 for small vans and £5000 for large vans.

Meanwhile, concerns about leaving apartment residents behind in the electric age have been addressed by offering a £350 discount on the cost of home charge points to those living in apartments.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper stated, “Our mandate provides certainty for manufacturers, benefits drivers by providing more options, and helps grow the economy by creating skilled jobs.

News

Hot urban EV concept provides a glimpse of the all-new Nissan Micra

Nissan has given a sneak peek of the highly anticipated next Micra with the introduction of the motorsport-themed 20-23 hot hatch concept.

The eye-catching supermini, designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nissan’s European design centre in Paddington, London, draws inspiration from the carmaker’s participation in the Formula E race series and its history of producing bold hatchbacks.

The concept car was unveiled by Nissan’s president and CEO, Makoto Uchida, in front of Nissan Design Europe’s (NDE) headquarters in central London. The choice of venue emphasizes the 20-23’s sporty and urban character.

The NDE team was given a free rein to design a car that they would want to drive on the city streets where they work. The result is a race-inspired design featuring prominent front and rear diffusers, a touring car-spec rear wing, oversized wheel arches, and ultra-low-profile racing tires.

Other conceptual styling elements include a roof scoop, racing numbers, Lamborghini-style scissor doors, and air-channelling louvres on the tops of the wings. These features continue Nissan’s tradition of bringing playful and eye-catching design to the world of hatchbacks and city cars.

Beneath its racy exterior, the 20-23 concept offers a closer look at Nissan’s upcoming electric replacement for the Micra. This new model is set to go into production in 2026, built on the CMF-BEV platform shared with Alliance partner Renault’s 5 supermini and Alpine A290 hot hatchback.

The previewed replacement for the Micra, introduced last year as a compact five-door supermini with a distinct design, is expected to share several design elements with other electric models in Nissan’s lineup. The initial side profile image revealed shared features such as the two-piece circular LED light clusters and black ‘floating’ roof. Although the 20-23 concept does not have rear doors like the production version, it still shares a similar silhouette and proportions.

News

New Lotus Emeya electric ‘hyper-GT’ to be revealed on 7 September

Lotus’s highly anticipated electric super-saloon has now been given the official name Emeya. The Emeya will have its full reveal on September 7th.

Previously referred to as Type 133 and mistakenly associated with the Envya name, this new electric car will rival the Porsche Taycan. A preview video has shown that the Emeya will feature a wraparound LED rear light bar, a movable rear wing, and distinctive LED headlights that resemble those on the Lotus Eletre SUV.

Described by Lotus as a hyper-GT, similar to how the Eletre is referred to as the world’s first hyper-SUV, the Emeya is expected to have power and performance figures that rival some of the fastest supercars. This marks Lotus’s return to the performance saloon segment, which they haven’t been a part of since the Vauxhall-based Carlton in the early 1990s. The company believes that the Emeya will be particularly popular in China and the US, two crucial markets for Lotus. According to Autocar, the Emeya, measuring five meters in length, will also be the most luxurious car ever produced by Lotus.

The confirmation of the Emeya’s name came shortly after prototypes in promotional camouflage livery were spotted on the road. Late prototypes have already begun production at the Lotus Technology facility in Wuhan, China.

The Emeya will be similar in size to the upcoming Polestar 5 grand tourer, set to be released next year. However, Lotus has emphasized that there will be distinct differences between the two models, as Geely, the parent company of Lotus and Polestar, allows each brand to independently develop their own technologies.

From spy shots, it’s clear that the Emeya will have sleek styling, a sloping roof, and design elements inspired by the Evija and Eletre models. Lotus has placed a strong emphasis on the Emeya’s dynamic development, as it will be competing with the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-tron GT. The Emeya will share some chassis technology with the Eletre, including air suspension, rear-wheel steer, active roll control, and active aerodynamics, but it will be engineered to meet its own specific requirements.

News

Cadillac Escalade IQ: A Powerful and Long-Range Luxury Electric Vehicle

Cadillac has unveiled its highly anticipated electric SUV, the Escalade IQ. This larger-than-life vehicle not only outperforms most sports cars in terms of acceleration but also boasts an impressive range that surpasses many electric saloons. The Escalade IQ represents a bold statement from America’s renowned luxury brand.

Powered by an enormous 200kWh battery, the Escalade sets itself apart from other luxury vehicles like the BMW i7, Mercedes-Benz EQS, and Rolls-Royce Spectre, which typically feature smaller battery packs. With a claimed range of 450 miles, the Escalade achieves an efficiency rating of just 2.25 miles per kWh. For comparison, this is less than half the efficiency of the significantly smaller Vauxhall Astra Electric. Clearly, the goal for the Escalade was not to create the most environmentally friendly electric vehicle but rather to offer a vehicle that indulges in conspicuous consumption without relying on a combustion engine.

To support its massive battery, the Escalade is equipped with 800V electrical systems, allowing for rapid charging at a yet undisclosed speed. It can recharge up to 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a fast charger. Additionally, the vehicle features vehicle-to-home charging technology, which enables energy to be fed back into the grid. However, this capability will only be activated with a software update for the 2025 model year.

General Motors has yet to disclose the weight of the Escalade’s battery or the total weight of the car. However, for reference, the Hummer EV Pickup, which shares some components with the Escalade, had a 212.7kWh usable capacity battery that weighed 1326kg, according to data filed with the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Cadillac Escalade IQ rear quarter static

The Escalade IQ is equipped with two electric motors (one per axle), delivering an impressive 750bhp and 785lb ft of torque to all four wheels when in Velocity Max mode. According to Cadillac, this allows the Escalade to accelerate from 0-60mph in under 5.0 seconds, comparable to high-performance hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf R.

Motorsport

Alfa Romeo Supercar Is Reportedly A Hybrid Maserati MC20 With 800 HP

Alfa Romeo is finally ready to unveil its highly anticipated supercar. The company has set up a livestream on its official YouTube channel for the reveal, which will take place at the Alfa Romeo museum in Arese, Milan on August 30. According to a report by Quattroruote, the new supercar will be based on the Maserati MC20 but with a hybrid twist.

2024 Alfa Romeo Supercar Rendering

2024 Alfa Romeo Supercar rendering by Motor1

The Maserati MC20 currently offers a gas-powered Nettuno engine, with an electric powertrain expected to arrive in 2024 with the MC20 Folgore. However, the Alfa Romeo version will reportedly combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor. It is said to feature a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine and at least one electric motor, resulting in a combined output of around 800 horsepower. This represents a significant increase from the gas-powered MC20, which produces 621 horsepower. There are also rumors that the hybrid variant will be accompanied by a fully electric version, although nothing has been confirmed yet.

According to the report, the new Alfa Romeo supercar is already sold out. Only a limited number of units will be produced, rumored to be in the “few dozen” range. The price is expected to be in the seven-figure range, and it is uncertain whether the pricing details will be made public. The styling of the supercar is said to be inspired by the iconic 33 Stradale, and it may also adopt a similar name.

It is unclear whether this will be the last Alfa Romeo model to be powered by an internal combustion engine. Alfa Romeo is planning to launch a small crossover below the Tonale next year, which will be a sister model to the Jeep Avenger. The Avenger is primarily offered as an electric vehicle but can also be ordered with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine equipped with mild-hybrid technology.

News

Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pick-up to Debut at Goodwood

Ineos has announced that the long-awaited pick-up version of the Grenadier will be showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. The vehicle, known as the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, will be introduced alongside Ineos’ hydrogen-powered Grenadier, and will participate in the event’s famous hill climb.

Previously, the pick-up model was spotted during testing in extreme winter conditions on icy roads.

If you want to learn more about the Goodwood Festival of Speed, click here to read our preview.

Autocar confirmed last year that the Grenadier’s lineup will expand with the addition of a pick-up truck. The recent sighting of the pick-up without a camouflage wrap and fitted with chunky all-terrain tires has fueled speculation that it will possess similar off-road capabilities as its SUV-styled sibling.

During previous public road testing, the Grenadier pick-up did not feature a conventional load bed at the rear. This suggests that the commercial version of the Grenadier may offer various devices and storage compartments to cater to different applications, similar to its predecessor, the previous-generation Defender 130 pick-up.

The Grenadier pick-up will likely compete with popular trucks such as the Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Amarok, both of which are expected to be updated using similar foundations next year. While Land Rover has not yet confirmed an open-backed version of the current Defender, they have hinted at the possibility, suggesting it would likely be a popular choice.

It is highly likely that the pick-up will follow the SUV’s engine options, which include six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines from BMW with outputs of 283bhp and 250bhp respectively. The addition of a pick-up bed may result in slight performance improvements and enhanced off-road capabilities due to a decrease in rear weight.

Inside, the Grenadier pick-up is expected to have a more utilitarian focus to support the demanding workload of a 4×4 pick-up. While the standard car prioritizes durability with features like drain holes in the floor and stain-resistant materials, the pick-up variant may be offered at a lower price point with fewer features and luxurious touches.

News

Autocar magazine 28 June: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we explore the upcoming lineup of Audi RS electric vehicles, test drive the highly anticipated Kia EV9, and compare three manual driver’s cars.

News

Audi Sport is expanding its electric vehicle offerings with a range of powerful successors to its fastest combustion cars, including the RS3 and RS7. With a renewed focus on the RS brand, we delve into Audi’s plans for the future.

Toyota has reimagined the C-HR for a new generation, featuring sharp styling and the introduction of a hybrid option for the first time.

In addition, the Dacia Sandero is set to be reborn as a rugged, raised supermini with pure-electric power, while still maintaining its reputation for affordability, making it one of Europe’s most popular cars.

We also uncover why a used Ineos Grenadier can sometimes have a higher price tag than a new one and discuss the potential adoption of an agency model by Toyota.

Reviews

Kia has followed up the success of the EV6 with the launch of the EV9, priced at £65,000. Our own Steve Cropley travels to Seoul to test drive the EV9 and discover what sets it apart.

Matt Saunders is in Germany to test the latest generation of Chinese electric cars – the Hiphi Y and Hiphi X. The Hiphi Y is a saloon with 663bhp, aiming to compete with the Audi E-tron GT, while the Hiphi X is a £110,000 SUV challenging rivals such as the Tesla Model X and BMW iX. Are these vehicles worth the wait?

Matt Prior reviews the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and concludes that it offers the most enjoyable driving experience among electric vehicles. Find out why in his detailed review.

Our team is also putting the Mercedes-AMG S36 E Performance, Peugeot e-2008, BMW M760e xDrive, Peugeot’s new 3008, and the BYD Dolphin to the test.

Features

We pay tribute to the manual gearbox by comparing three exceptional driver’s cars. The BMW M2, the only new M car available with a manual gearbox, goes up against two of the best stick-shifters in the industry: the Mazda MX-5 and Honda Civic Type R. Who will come out on top?

Considering buying a European used car imported from Japan? John Evans explores the pros and cons, revealing whether there are significant differences beneath the surface despite their similar appearances.

Off-roaders have evolved significantly over the years. But can modern tech-filled luxury SUVs outperform the original utilitarian workhorses when it comes to off-road capabilities? To find out, we compare a Willys Jeep with the brand new Range Rover.

Opinion

Matt Prior shares his experience driving the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and highlights how it allows drivers to engage their muscle memory and appreciate engine sounds with a simulated gearshift and rev counter reaching 8000rpm.

Volkswagen

Electric VW bus for North America and Europe: world premiere of the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase

  • Comeback in the USA and Canada: Volkswagen celebrates the long-awaited return of the VW bus to North America with the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase.
  • June 2: day of the world premiere becomes new US holiday. The European premiere of the long ID. Buzz follows at the VW Bus Festival in Hanover from June 23 to 25.
  • Spacey: the new ID. Buzz with long wheelbase is one of the most spacious electric vehicles, with room for up to seven people and a large luggage compartment
  • High-efficiency drive system: at its launch, the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase will be optionally available in Europe and North America with new 85 kWh battery (net) and new 210 kW electric drive motor
  • Samba Bus for the modern age: newly developed panoramic sunroof with electronically controlled tinting is the largest glass roof ever produced by Volkswagen

Volkswagen ID. Buzz with long wheelbase

ID. Buzz with long wheelbase (LWB) – Near-production concept car.

A vehicle like a rock song. Good vibrations. Whenever it appears, people smile: the ID.Buzz. The icon among electric vehicles. The latest addition to the family is now here: the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase. It is “Made in Germany” for Europe – as well as for Canada and the US. Because Volkswagen is starting the comeback of the VW bus in North America with the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase. The world premiere will also take place there on June 2, at surfer hotspot Huntington Beach, on the Pacific Coast Highway near Los Angeles. The vehicle will be revealed as part of the largest VW Bus festival in the USA as a tribute to the fans and the country. At the same time, America will welcome the ID. Buzz with a generous gesture: from New York to San Francisco, June 2 will in future be celebrated as a holiday, “Volkswagen Bus Day”. This bus tour will continue in Germany in just three weeks with the European debut of the long ID. Buzz. The date and location are also perfect: June 23 to 25 at the international VW Bus Festival in Hanover – Europe’s largest VW Bus meetup.

With the T4 generation, the VW bus left the USA and Canada 20 years ago. However, it still holds a cult following from New York to San Francisco to this very day. The T1, T2, and T3 rear-engine generations are still a familiar sight at beach parking lots in California, Florida, and Long Island in 2023. Volkswagen is now closing the circle again with the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase and is bringing the VW bus back to North America – this time with an electric rear-wheel drive. Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Brand Group Volume, says: “Volkswagen is an extremely strong global brand with a great history, millions of loyal fans and legendary products. This is clearly evident here at the largest VW Bus festival in the USA. I am therefore delighted that the team at Volkswagen Group of America is celebrating the premiere of the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase here. With this model, we are taking a big step towards becoming a true love brand again.” Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of the Volkswagen Group of America, underlines the importance of the electric VW bus for the US market:“The ID. Buzz and the USA – it’s a perfect match! The VW bus has a long history in the USA and enjoys real cult status. Our aim today is to further strengthen the Volkswagen brand in America. The ID. Buzz with long wheelbase is exactly the right model to fulfill this task.” Lars Krause, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, also says that the ID. Buzz is the comeback of a certain automotive feeling for life: “In the USA, Canada, and Europe, the VW bus has embodied a unique attitude on life for decades. The picture of the legendary T1 Lightbus in Woodstock is unforgettable. The DNA of this symbol of freedom lives on in our ID. Buzz. It is of utmost importance to us that we can now offer the people of North America a modern, all-electric new edition with the ID. Buzz in an iconic design.”

Volkswagen ID. Buzz with long wheelbase

ID. Buzz with long wheelbase (LWB) – Near-production concept car.

With a length of 4,962 mm and up to seven seats, the large ID. Buzz is perfectly primed for its launch in North America. At the same time, it is also expanding its range of possible applications in Europe. The extra length due to the increase in the wheelbase by 250 mm creates room for a third row of seats, providing up to 2,469 liters of storage space, and for a new, larger 85 kWh battery (net capacity), giving even more range. And the new heat pump increases efficiency in winter. The large ID. Buzz will also be available with a new 210 kW (286 hp) electric drive motor. This electric drive motor increases the maximum speed to the electronic limit of 160 km/h (European ID. Buzz with 150 kW: 145 km/h). The large ID. Buzz can reach a speed of 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. But that’s not all: an all-wheel drive version (GTX) with an output of 250 kW (339 hp) has been announced for 2024. The ID. Buzz GTX will be able to complete the 0–100 km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds, making it perfect for rapidly merging with traffic on the highway.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz with long wheelbase

ID. Buzz with long wheelbase (LWB) – Near-production concept car.

Other new features of the large electric VW Bus include a head-up display, an upgraded next-generation infotainment system, and remote parking via smartphone. Meanwhile, a newly designed high-tech panoramic sunroof with smart glass brings back memories of the legendary Samba Bus of the 50s.At 1.5 square meters, it is the largest glass roof ever built by Volkswagen. The smart glass can be changed from transparent to opaque and vice versa using the touch slider or voice assistant. The North American versions will also feature air-conditioned seats and an illuminated Volkswagen logo on the front.

Delivery of the first ID. Buzz vehicles in America will start in 2024. Almost parallel to the market launch in North America, the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase will also be available in Europe. Like the Multivan and the Bulli T6.1, all ID. Buzz vehicles will be produced at the main plant of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover. This is one of the most state-of-the-art automotive plants in the world and the home of the VW Bus family.

The world premiere of the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase can be followed via this link at 6:30 pm (CEST):
https://www.youtube.com/live/EETqf24cDfg?feature=share

Volkswagen ID. Buzz with long wheelbase

ID. Buzz with long wheelbase (LWB) – Near-production concept car.