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News

The VinFast VF 3, A $9,000 Compact EV, Is Turning Out To Be A Smashing Hit

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At the CES 2024, VinFast revealed its VF 3 EV, a compact, reasonably priced crossover that the automaker deliberate to launch globally. The automaker lastly opened the reserving orders for it a couple of days again in its house nation, Vietnam, and inside 66 hours, it garnered 27,649 non-refundable and non-transferable pre-orders!

The automaker is a social media phenomenon of types in Vietnam, and a part of this record-setting success might be credited to that. The relaxation has to do with the particular introductory value of 235 million VND, which interprets to $9,230 as per the present change charges on the time of penning this.

In order to provide the most recent and correct info attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from VinFast.

VinFast VF 3 SUV

Related

VinFast Taps Into The Compact EV Segment With The 125-mile VF 3 SUV

VinFast electrifies CES 2024 with an urban-friendly VF 3 SUV and daring VF WILD truck idea.

~28,000 Bookings In 66 Hours

VinFast VF 3
VinFast 

VinFast ran this particular promotion from May thirteenth to May fifteenth. This particular value of 235 million VND was for the VF 3 opted with the battery subscription mannequin. The mannequin with the battery was priced at 315 million VND ($12,372). If anybody finds this to be on the upper facet, VinFast additionally affords versatile financing choices, whereby you’ll be able to pay a down fee of fifty to 70 million VND ($1,964 to $2,750) and make month-to-month funds of round 2 million VND ($79) for the following eight years. No surprise the compact EV managed to notch up nearly 28,000 reservations in such a brief span of time.

While these reservations are in Vietnam, VinFast has been performing some stable work within the U.S. as nicely. The automaker recently opened 12 more dealerships right here, thus increasing its presence to seven states now. With 18 showrooms Stateside, count on VinFast to usher in extra merchandise – together with the VF 7 and the VF 9 – to hitch the currently available VF 8.

Although VinFast wished to take a Tesla-like method right here by serving clients instantly, the automaker barely deviated from that plan and as a substitute favored a vendor distribution setup. VinFast is supporting these dealerships with components and distribution facilities throughout the nation, and the presence of 15 service facilities in California alone is a testomony to that.

2023 VinFast VF 9 SUV side by side

Related

VinFast Opens 12 More US Dealerships and Expands Distribution

Adding a dozen extra sellers to the community, VinFast now covers seven states whereas abandoning its preliminary direct-to-consumer technique.

What The VinFast VF 3 Is All About

Shot of VinFast VF3 SUV on display at CES 2024.
VinFast

The VF 3 is a compact, two-door SUV-ish EV that’s 125.6 inches lengthy, 66.1 inches vast, and 63.8 inches tall. You additionally get about 19.4 cubic toes of cargo house, which is sort of respectable for a automobile of this dimension. VinFast has outfitted it with 16-inch wheels as customary.

The mechanical particulars are by some means nonetheless scarce, however all we all know is that the VF 3 will provide as much as 125 miles of vary on a single cost. This automobile is an city commuter at finest, so 125 miles of vary doesn’t sound as unhealthy on this case because it usually would.

The different options right here embody:

  • 10-inch infotainment display screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Smart keyless entry and begin
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Panoramic sunroof

The VinFast VF3 will probably be coming to the U.S. as nicely, as beforehand introduced, however there is no such thing as a definitive timeline.

Motorsport

Rolls-Royce Spent 8,000 Hours Crafting The Wood For Its Latest Droptail

Meet the Rolls-Royce Droptail Arcadia, the third of 4 commissions deliberate for the opulent, ultra-exclusive roadster. The firm reserves a few of its most intricate coachbuilding for these fashions, and this one options a unprecedented mixture of bespoke touches. 

Arcadia refers to a location in Greek mythology that is speculated to symbolize heaven on earth. The purchaser specified this Droptail as a serene area that will supply a spot to loosen up after a day of enterprise.


Motorsport

Watch The BMW XM Thunder Up Pikes Peak

BMW’s first attempt to set a new record at Pikes Peak didn’t go as planned. The hybrid SUV crashed during the run in June. The automaker made a second run on September 21, and it was much more successful. The XM now holds the record for the fastest hybrid production SUV to run the course, which you can watch above.

Professional racing driver Matt Mullins piloted the BMW XM Label Red up the hill in 10 minutes, 48.60 seconds. While the time is impressive, the XM trailed the Lamborghini Urus Performante without a hybrid powertrain when it completed the course last year in 10 minutes, 32.06 seconds. It still holds the outright record among production SUVs.


Motorsport

The New Dodge Challenger Demon 170 Crate Engine Costs As Much As A Miata

The Dodge Challenger Demon 170 is a powerful Hemi engine that is highly sought after. However, with a starting price just under $100,000 and only 3,300 units planned for production, it is not affordable for everyone. But fear not, because the Demon 170’s engine will soon be available for purchase as a crate engine. The pricing may come as a surprise, as the crate engine will cost as much as a Mazda Miata, with an MSRP of $27,695. While it is significantly cheaper than the complete Challenger Demon 170, it is still quite expensive compared to other performance cars.

The crate engine, known as the Hellephant C170 from Direct Connection, generates the same impressive 1,025 hp as the Demon 170. For its price, you get a fully dressed engine with a 3.0-liter supercharger that enhances the performance of the 6.2-liter mill. If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Hellephant C170 long block is available at a price of $18,995, but it does not include the intake, supercharger, and other components.

Direct Connection Hellephant C170 Long Block Crate Hemi

In addition to the Demon 170 crate engine, Direct Connection offers a range of other engines. The Hellcrate Redeye 6.2-liter long block produces 807 hp and is priced at $12,995. The Hellcrate Hemi is available in 717-hp trim for $9,495. For those looking for non-supercharged options, Direct Connection offers the 392 and 345 Crate Hemi long blocks priced at $6,995 and $4,495 respectively.

But that’s not all.

Dodge is also looking towards the future with the development of the twin-turbocharged Hurricane 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Two long-block versions of this engine are available – the Cat 1 with 420 hp and the Cat 3 with 550 hp. The pricing for the inline-six engine starts at $6,495 and goes up to $8,995 for the higher output version.

“The Dodge Direct Connection portfolio continues to expand since its relaunch in March 2022,” said Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis.

The Hellephant C170 and other engines mentioned here are expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2024.

News

How Did Honda’s CR Electric Prototype Perform at Its First Race Weekend?

In October 2023, Honda announced that it would be participating in its first race weekend with the CR electric motocross prototype before the end of the month. The bike, ridden by former AMA Pro Motocross 250 champion Trey Canard, competed in round eight of the D.I.D. All Japan Motocross Championship at Offroad Village Saitama in Japan.

The race weekend took place on October 28 and 29, 2023. The CR electric prototype successfully qualified, practiced, and raced as planned. However, the results on race day were a mixed bag.

In the morning practice session, Canard was the second fastest overall. This was a promising result for a wildcard entry on a prototype machine. It set the stage for the race heats later in the day.


Honda CR Prototype Racing - All Japan Motocross Championship - Trey Canard Holeshot

7 Photos

In Heat One, Canard performed well on the CR prototype and finished in second place. He was only 0.7 seconds behind the winner, which was a commendable result for the first race.

Unfortunately, Canard had a crash with fellow competitor Jay Wilson in the second heat, forcing them to retire from that heat. Nevertheless, Canard got back on the bike for the third and final heat of the day. He managed to take the holeshot but crashed out due to the challenging track conditions.

The goal of Honda Racing Corporation was to use this race as a learning and development opportunity rather than focusing solely on competition. From that perspective, the weekend can be considered a success. However, the team’s performance, including grabbing two out of three holeshots and finishing second in one heat, can also be seen as positive from a competitive standpoint.

A YouTuber named TRP Adventure was present at the event and shared video footage of the qualifying session. In the video, Canard and the CR prototype demonstrated impressive performance.

News

Yamaha’s Motoroid2 Concept Gets Its Own Dance Crew To Back It Up

When Yamaha first announced what it planned to bring to Japan Mobility Show 2023, without a doubt, the most attention-grabbing vehicle on display was the Motoroid2 reference vehicle. It’s an evolution of the original Motoroid that it first brought to the Tokyo Motor Show in 2017.  

Since that show was the predecessor of JMS, it’s fitting that the first-ever JMS event is where Yamaha saw fit to show off the advancements it’s made in the past six years. The first iteration of Motoroid touted the concept vehicle’s abiilty to recognize its owner, and to interact with that person “like a living creature.” It’s a concept that likely seemed further away in 2017 than it does in 2023, if I’m honest. 

To show off the Motoroid2’s capabilities in 2023, Yamaha put together this video. The theme of this year’s presentation, which is supposed to encompass everything that Yamaha brought to the show, is “feeling life.”

You’re not just supposed to look at it. You’re supposed to experience it, and Yamaha’s products are supposed to enhance your enjoyment of it in various ways. (Fair enough; I mean, if you’re not having fun on a motorcycle, something is definitely wrong.) 

Yamaha Gets Weird for the Tokyo Motor Show

Yamaha Motoroid at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show

Yamaha Motoroid2 - Front Right Angle View

Yamaha Motoroid2 at Japan Mobility Show 2023

In figuring out how best to demonstrate that the concept can recognize a human face and then interact with that human, someone at Yamaha decided to put together a dance routine. The resulting impression is part robotic pet, part ParaPara Paradise dance game partner. Oddly, it feels less purely futuristic than I imagine that its predecessor probably did in 2017. 

Also, what’s up with the translucent blue protective plastic on some of the surfaces of one of the Motoroid2 demonstration vehicles? I’m not entirely sure if it’s a costume choice, since the blue perfectly echoes the visor on the rider’s helmet. Or is it meant strictly as protection? You know, like the plastic furniture covers at your grandma’s house, so you didn’t disturb the furniture while you sat on it? 

Yamaha Motoroid2

Anyway, Yamaha has also clearly described Motoroid2 as a “personal mobility concept” rather than a motorcycle as we know it, even if it bears a distinct resemblance to a motorcycle. As a reference vehicle, it appears to be indicative of some advancements, including its self-balancing abilities.  

There’s one segment in this video where a rider is mounted on the Motoroid2’s back, and several other Yamaha employees are around as the vehicle slowly moves forward. It looks like one guy on the left could be holding a controller in his hand. Is the rider controlling Motoroid2, or is the guy on the side operating it like an RC car? 

Is this your vision of future mobility? Let us know in the comments. 

Featured

Every Mahindra Electric SUV We Have Seen So Far That Is Meant For Launch


A Creta-sized EV, an off-road-spec EV, and a three-row EV – Mahindra has planned it all

Mahindra has planned an electric SUV offensive with the Indian car manufacturer bringing in several new models starting from late 2024. Ahead of the same, Mahindra has showcased a slew of EV concepts that have been confirmed to result in production models, some of which are dedicated EVs and some will be EV-versions of existing nameplates.

So, here’s a quick rundown of all the seven electric SUVs that Mahindra has showcased with details about their expected prices and launch.

Mahindra XUV.e8


Mahindra XUV700 EV

Launch – December 2024

Expected Price – Rs 35 Lakh*

The XUV.e8 is the electric version of the XUV700. It’s scheduled to debut around December 2024 and will be one of the earliest three-row electric SUVs on sale.

A leaked photo shows that the XUV.e8 might look identical to its concept version showcased in 2022. The front profile and alloy wheels are expected to be significantly different, but the silhouette will remain the same.

The XUV700 EV is expected to have single and dual electric motor setups, with the option of rear-wheel and all-wheel drivetrains. It could be offered with multiple battery packs, up to 80kWh capacity, providing a range of up to 450 kms (WLTP-cycle). It will also support fast charging of up to 175kW, which can charge the battery from 5 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

Mahindra XUV.e9


Mahindra XUV.e9

Launch – April 2025

Expected Price – Rs 38 Lakh*

The XUV.e9 is the coupe version of the XUV700 EV and will likely be a five-seater only. It will feature styling differences such as a coupe-styled roof for a sportier appeal. It will have a slightly longer wheelbase compared to the XUV.e8.

It will use the same INGLO platform as the XUV.e8 and will offer single and dual electric motors with two battery pack options.

Mahindra BE 05


Mahindra BE 05

Launch – October 2025

Expected Price – Rs 25 Lakh*

Mahindra’s lineup of dedicated electric SUVs with no internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts will belong to a new sub-range called the Born Electric series, or BE for short. The first model in this lineup is the BE 05.

The production-ready BE 05 will have similarities to its concept version, with a futuristic interior featuring integrated dual display screens. The exact technical specifications are unknown, but it is expected to have a 60kWh battery pack and a claimed range of around 400 kilometres. It will be a compact electric SUV, rivaling the likes of MG ZS EV, Tata Curvv EV, and the Hyundai Creta-based EV.

Mahindra Rall.e


Mahindra BE Rall.e

Launch – October 2025

Based on the BE 05, Mahindra showcased the ‘Rall.e’ concept in early 2023. It’s an off-road derivative of the electric SUV, with a different design and off-road friendly visual elements.

The Rall.e will likely be limited to all-wheel drive and could have terrain-specific drive modes.

Mahindra BE 07


Mahindra BE 07

Launch – October 2026

Expected Price – Rs 30 Lakh*

The BE 07 will be a mid-size electric SUV and will primarily rival the upcoming Tata Harrier EV. It is expected to be a five-seater version, as the three-row XUV.e8 will already be available.

The BE 07 will have an upright styling with modern design elements. The interior will have an integrated display spanning the full length of the dashboard. It is positioned below the XUV.e8 and will be a more urban-oriented SUV, offering a 2WD powertrain with more range from multiple battery options.

Mahindra BE 09


Mahindra BE 09

Launch – Unconfirmed

Expected Price – Rs 45 Lakh*

The most premium SUV in this list is the BE 09 concept and could likely become Mahindra’s flagship electric SUV. It will have a coupe-styled look, similar to the XUV e9, but longer and more aerodynamically efficient as a dedicated EV product. It will have the biggest battery pack, the best performance, and the most advanced features.

Mahindra Thar.e


Mahindra Thar EV

Expected Launch – 2027

Expected Price – Rs 30 Lakh*

The latest electric concept from Mahindra is the Thar.e. It retains the old-school essence of the iconic Thar but in a modern and electric avatar, with two extra doors! The Thar EV concept has a more aggressive design while retaining the original’s upright stance.

The interior of the Thar EV will be significantly modern compared to the current version, with a relatively minimalist and upright cabin layout. It is expected to have a big battery pack for the dual-electric motor AWD system, providing a range of over 400 kilometres. Terrain-specific drive modes should be standard on the electric Thar.


*(All Prices ex-showroom)

Mahindra has also announced electric versions of the Scorpio and Bolero nameplates, which are expected to be launched after 2027. Tata Motors, another Indian automaker, also has an aggressive plan to launch 10 EVs by 2026 and has showcased numerous concepts that will go into production along that timeline. With Mahindra and Tata Motors, India will see many more electric SUVs in the coming years.

Featured

Lamborghini Lanzador Concept: An Electric 2+2 GT

Lamborghini has revealed the Lamborghini Lanzador Concept, giving us a glimpse of what its first fully-electric model could look like. Unveiled at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the Lanzador is a two-door, high-riding four-seater that combines elements from Lamborghini’s current production cars. It aims to offer a sporty driving experience while capitalizing on the added ride height of the Urus SUV. The Lanzador will fill the gap between Lamborghini’s supercars and SUVs, positioning itself as the carmaker’s fourth product line.

Lamborghini Lanzador Concept

In addition to being Lamborghini’s first fully electric model, the Lanzador Concept showcases features that are expected to be seen in future production models. One of these features is the Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI), a driving dynamic control system that analyzes the owner’s driving style and adjusts various car parameters accordingly. The Lanzador also features the ALA (Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva) system for precise aerodynamic adjustments, allowing it to switch between high and low downforce modes. This electric GT draws inspiration from Lamborghini’s current lineup, with elements reminiscent of the Urus SUV and styling cues from the brand’s supercars.

Lamborghini Lanzador Concept

The Lanzador Concept is powered by two electric motors that deliver power to all four wheels. Specific details about horsepower and range have not been released yet, but the Lanzador benefits from technology found in the Urus, such as air suspension and rear axle steering. The concept draws inspiration from Lamborghini’s current lineup, borrowing design elements from the Urus and incorporating styling features from the brand’s supercars. The interior of the Lanzador features a spacious center console, minimalistic controls, and sustainable materials like recycled fibers, wool, and olive oil-tanned leather.

Lamborghini Lanzador Concept

Lamborghini aims to have its entire model lineup fully electrified by 2024. The Lanzador Concept is part of this strategy, and a production version is scheduled to go into production by 2028. While Lamborghini has not committed to a fully electric lineup, the addition of an electric GT will bring further diversity to the brand’s portfolio.

Featured

Lamborghini Lanzador Concept Debuts As An Electric 2+2 GT

Lamborghini previously announced that it planned for its first fully-electric model to go into production before 2030. Today the carmaker unveiled what its first EV could look like with the Lamborghini Lanzador Concept, presented at this year’s The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.

The Lanzador envisions a high-riding two-door four-seater with styling elements borrowed from multiple of its current production cars. As its form factor suggests, the Lanzador aims to capitalize on the added ride height of an Urus while maintaining a sportier driving experience. As such, it will position itself as a fourth product line for the carmaker, aiming to fill the GT-sized gap left between its supercars and SUV.

Lamborghini Lanzador Concept

Aside from previewing the first fully electric Lamborghini, the Lanzador aims to showcase features expected to reach production models in the coming years, starting with Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI), a driving dynamic control system. Its goal is to analyze its owner’s driving style and adapt various car parameters accordingly. It draws information from a new group of sensors placed throughout the car. 

These sensors will also support its new ALA (Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva) system for more precise aerodynamic adjustments. Given that it’s electric, the Lanzador can cycle between high and low downforce modes, maximizing performance or range given the driving scenario. In the Lanzador, these aero elements include an active splitter, shutters in its front grille, and louvers in its wheel arches. 

Lamborghini Lanzador Concept

Power comes from two electric motors, reaching all four wheels. Lamborghini has yet to publish how many horses it’ll develop or what range to expect from a production version. However, the carmaker’s electric GT does benefit from components found in the Urus, like its air suspension and rear axle steering. Given its stature, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Lanzador also inherited off-road modes like the Urus on the count of its adjustable suspension.

The Lanzador also draws inspiration from the carmaker’s current lineup from a visual perspective. Its front end, for example, is reminiscent of the Urus’ as is its roofline, while its slim lighting elements look closer to those found in Lamborghini’s supercar lineup. While the Lanzador seats four, it only features two doors, albeit very long, allowing it to retain a sportier aesthetic than a traditional GT.

Lamborghini Lanzador Concept

Inside, a sizable center console divides the driver and passenger, housing the few remaining mechanical buttons and switches. Two screens sit in front of the occupants, one serving as an instrument cluster and the other showing vehicle information and new entertainment features. The interior overall is very minimalistic, especially for a Lamborghini. Its steering wheel is thin and virtually button-free, while its slim seats offer minimal padding. 

Since the Lanzador is an EV, Lamborghini also wants to implement more sustainable materials for its interior cabin featuring wool, recycled materials and 3D-printed recycled fibers. Its leather is tanned using a byproduct of the olive oil industry, a process that requires less water than traditional tanning but yields just as high-quality leather. 

Lamborghini aims to fully electrify its model lineup by 2024. We’ve already seen this with the hybrid Revuelto, which will be followed shortly by the Huracan replacement and an updated Urus. The production GT the Lanzador envisions is already scheduled to enter production this decade, with an expected launch date of 2028. While Lamborghini has never said it will go fully electric, adding an EV to its lineup will further diversify its portfolio.

Motorsport

Novitec Gives McLaren 765LT Supercar a Carbon-Fiber Upgrade

McLaren introduced the 765LT as a special edition of the 720S. Only 765 examples of this long-tail variant were planned for production, making it a rare find. However, the aftermarket scene has not overlooked this supercar, offering various upgrades.

This particular vehicle features a wrap from a company called Fostla.de Concepts located in Hannover, Germany. The wrap complements the car’s existing carbon-fiber elements, such as the mirror caps. Additionally, splashes of orange accentuate the front splitter, side blades, front trunk, roof, wing, and rear diffuser.