Nissan has provided a sneak peek of the cars it will display at this year’s SEMA in Las Vegas. To begin with, they unveiled a Frontier truck that they are racing at the NORRA 500 race in Mexico. This one-off vehicle will be showcased at SEMA exactly as it is raced. In addition to the Frontier, Nissan will also present another rugged vehicle and a turbocharged sedan inspired by a race car.
Let’s start with the Project Rugged Rogue, which is aptly named for its rugged characteristics. It is based on the recently refreshed 2024 Rogue and features accessories that transform this family-oriented SUV into a capable off-road travel machine. The stock Rogue has been modified with Nismo off-road components, such as a three-inch suspension lift kit, new wheels fitted with Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires, a custom exhaust system, and carbon fiber fender extensions with a rear spoiler. Enhancing its adventurous appearance further are a front bumper guard with additional six-inch round lights, another set of hood-mounted driving lights, and roof-mounted kayak and mountain bike racks.
The 2024 Kia EV6 lineup offers various pricing options, with the Light RWD trim starting at $42,600. This particular model comes with a smaller 58 kWh battery, a 167 hp motor, and an estimated EPA range of 232 miles. The EV6 Light Long Range RWD trim is positioned above, sporting a 77.4 kWh battery, a 225 hp motor, and an EPA range of 310 miles. The price for this trim is set at $45,950.
The other trims in the EV6 lineup closely resemble the 2023 models, albeit with some minor updates. The EV6 Wind RWD trim, priced at $48,700, offers features similar to the Light Long Range RWD trim but with some advancements. Following this is the EV6 Wind e-AWD trim, which shares similarities with the Wind RWD trim but includes an all-wheel-drive system. This additional feature raises the price to $52,600, but the overall range decreases to 282 miles, although the motor power increases to 320 hp.
Continuing further, the higher-end GT Lime models provide three different variants. The EV6 GT-Line RWD trim is priced at $52,900 and offers 225 hp with a range of 310 miles. For $57,600, the EV6 GT-Line e-AW trim provides the same 320 hp motor, albeit with a slightly lower range of 252 miles. Lastly, the top-of-the-line EV6 GT trim aims at enthusiasts, with a powerful 576-horsepower all-wheel-drive system and a range of 218 miles. The price for this trim begins at $61,600.
This song starts with a mix of keyboards, drums, and guitar effects of varying levels. Throughout the song, there’s a consistent beat accompanied by a mid-level male vocal and a female singer with a softer and higher range that comes in around the two-minute mark.
In the middle of the five-minute song, there’s a moment where the synth effect cuts out, allowing the bass drum to take center stage. If the headphones or speakers you’re testing are of good quality, you should be able to hear the faint vocal underneath. The song gradually builds up into a catchy chant, followed by the band’s horn section to complete the overall sound.
Ultimately, this upbeat song lives up to its name. It can definitely boost your mood with its effective representation of high, mid, and low frequencies.
The Chevrolet Camaro LT1 starts at $40,395 and comes with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It has the fastest 0-60 time of the three at 4.0 seconds and is the lightest car weighing 3,619 lbs.
The Dodge Challenger R/T has a base price of $40,900 and comes with a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine that produces 375 horsepower. It accelerates from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and offers optional performance packages.
The Ford Mustang GT Fastback starts at $44,735. It features a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 480 horsepower and a 6-speed manual transmission.
Gas-powered pony cars, like the Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, and Chevrolet Camaro, are coming to an end. These iconic muscle cars have made their mark on the automotive industry and will soon be replaced by electric-powered versions. However, before they go, let’s take a look at the cheapest manual V-8 versions of these three legendary cars that can still be purchased in 2023.
Dodge has announced the last Challenger, the SRT Demon 170 “Last Call” edition, marking the end of its five-decade-long legacy. Chevrolet has also declared that 2024 will be the final year for the Camaro, with several Collector’s Edition trims planned to commemorate the farewell. Ford has already introduced the Mach E electric coupe under the Mustang name, and the 2024 Mustang will be the last with true muscle-car competition.
2024 Mustang GT Fastback
MSRP: $44,735
The 2024 Ford Mustang offers a variety of performance options and trims, with the Mustang GT Fastback being the most affordable V8-powered model starting at $44,735.
The updated 5.0-liter V8 engine under the hood produces 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Mustang to accelerate from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, but a 10-speed automatic is available as an option.
Standard features include a 3.55 limited-slip rear axle, 18″ Ebony Black Aluminum wheels, a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 13.2-inch center display. The driver enjoys a six-way power seat with lumbar support, while the passenger gets a four-way power seat. Additional interior upgrades are available with the Mustang GT Premium.
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T
MSRP: $40,900
The Dodge Challenger R/T is equipped with a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine generating 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and has a base price of $40,900.
The R/T variant comes with a standard 6-speed manual transmission and offers various optional packages to enhance performance and appearance. It features 20-inch machined wheels, an electronically controlled active exhaust system, upgraded brakes, and a limited-slip rear differential.
The R/T Scat Pack is the next variant in the lineup, featuring a more powerful V8 engine, larger four-piston Brembo brakes, heated steering wheel and seats, a premium audio system, and customizable driving modes.
2024 Chevrolet Camaro LT1
MSRP: $40,395
The Camaro LT1 is the entry-level variant in the Camaro lineup, starting at $40,395. It is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque, making it the most torquey option among the three cars. The Camaro LT1 has a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds.
The Camaro is the lightest of the three cars, weighing 3,619 lbs. Standard features include a transmission oil cooler, dual exhaust, and optional Track Mode in the Drive Mode selector.
The Final Year Of Competition For These Models
Top Speed
These are the most affordable V-8-powered coupes with a manual transmission in 2023. The choice of the best one will ultimately come down to personal preference, but all three offer various packages to customize and enhance the driving experience.
As the era of gas-powered pony cars comes to a close, we bid farewell to the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and Chevrolet Camaro. These vehicles symbolize American muscle and have left an indelible mark on the roads. While electric cars may be the future, we will forever cherish the memories and legacy of these iconic muscle cars.
Specifications And Performance
Specification
Ford Mustang GT
Dodge Challenger R/T
Chevrolet LT1
Engine
5.0 Liter V8
5.7 Liter HEMI V8
6.2 Liter V8
Power (hp)
480 HP
375 HP
455 HP
Torque (lb-ft)
415 lb-ft
410 lb-ft
455 lb-ft
Gearbox
Six-speed Manual
Six-speed Manual
Six-speed Manual
0-60 MPH
4.3 seconds
4.8 seconds
4.0 seconds
(Specifications sourced from automakers)
As we bid farewell to these gas-powered pony cars, we celebrate the memories they created. The Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and Chevrolet Camaro will always remind us of the joy and thrill of driving a powerful American muscle car. While electric cars mark the future, we will always remember these roaring beasts of the past.
The upcoming Rebelle Rally, starting on October 12, will see Kia participating with a modified version of the 2024 Telluride X-Pro SUV. Prior to the rally, Kia has made some minor adjustments to the vehicle, preparing it for the challenging 1,600-mile journey through the deserts of California and Nevada.
The Kia Telluride has undergone several enhancements, including the addition of a roof rack and front and rear bumpers from Baja Forged. These upgraded bumpers not only improve the SUV’s approach and departure angles but also work in conjunction with the 1.5-inch suspension lift to enhance the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. As a result, the Telluride now boasts nearly 10 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to tackle rough terrains more effectively.
These features are limited to the top-spec EL trim that now starts at Rs 19.19 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Mahindra XUV400 EV, the electric version of the XUV300 SUV, has introduced a range of new safety features in its top-spec EL variant. The enhancements include a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), electronic stability program (ESP), hill hold assist, auto-dimming IRVM, and front fog lamps.
Prices
Variant
Old Price
New Price
Difference
EC Standard
Rs 15.99 lakh
Rs 15.99 lakh
No Change
EC Fast Charge
Rs 16.49 lakh
Rs 16.49 lakh
No Change
EL Fast Charge
Rs 18.99 lakh
Rs 19.19 lakh
+ Rs 20,000
EL Dual tone Fast Charge
Rs 19.19 lakh
Rs 19.39 lakh
+ Rs 20,000
Only the top-spec EL trim receives these additional features, which come at an extra cost of Rs 20,000. Prices for the base-spec EC trim remain unchanged.
Additional Features
In addition to the five new safety features, the XUV400 EV now comes equipped with two tweeters, cruise control, and a boot lamp for added convenience.
The electric SUV already offers a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, height-adjustable driver seat, an electric sunroof, up to six airbags, rain-sensing wipers, and a rearview camera.
Same Powertrain
There are no changes in the powertrain. The XUV400 EV still offers two battery pack options: 34.5kWh and 39.4kWh. Both battery packs are paired with an electric motor that delivers 150PS and 310Nm of torque, and offer driving ranges of 375km and 456km, respectively.
Rivals
The Mahindra XUV400 EV now ranges in price between Rs 15.99 lakh and Rs 19.39 lakh (ex-showroom) and competes with the Tata Nexon EV Prime, Tata Nexon EV Max, Hyundai Kona Electric, and MG ZS EV while offering an affordable alternative.
Volkswagen has started pre-sales for the new Touareg R eHybrid, which is the flagship model of the premium series. This SUV is a plug-in hybrid with the most powerful drive system among all standard Volkswagen models. It comes with an optimized suspension setup, advanced high-tech systems, and serves as the top-of-the-line electric SUV model for the Volkswagen brand. The revamped Touareg R has undergone significant changes to its front and rear design, offers a more comfortable interior, and features an even more user-friendly Innovision Cockpit. The prices for this model start at €93,870.
Peter Jost, the Head of Marketing & Sales at Volkswagen R, the premium performance brand of Volkswagen, says: “The Touareg R eHybrid is our top model. It offers exceptional performance, travel comfort, driving dynamics, and customizable equipment that no other model can match. Additionally, it impresses with its off-road capabilities and can tow up to 3.5 tonnes, making it the perfect vehicle for demanding tasks.”
Superior drive system, new suspension generation. The new Touareg R eHybrid is equipped with a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder turbocharged engine and an electric drive motor, offering a system output of 340 kW (462 PS) and torque of 700 Nm. This power enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h. The Touareg R eHybrid also features a roof load sensor connected to the suspension electronics, and the suspension and control systems have been further improved to provide greater stability and precision in dynamic and comfort-oriented driving situations.
Numerous innovations – standard and optional. The premium model comes with several standard highlights, including the enhanced Innovision Cockpit featuring a central touchscreen with a 15-inch display. It also boasts the new IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights, which utilize more than 38,000 interactive LEDs to project a light carpet onto the driving lane, resulting in precise road illumination. Another optional high-tech feature available for the Touareg R eHybrid is the Park Assist Pro, which enables remote-controlled parking via a smartphone (using the Volkswagen App) and can maneuver the vehicle in tight parking spaces.
Furthermore, the Touareg R eHybrid includes the following standard features:
Differentiated design in Black Style for a sporty appearance (including R-specific front bumper inserts, black tailpipes, and glossy black roof rails)
Blue brake calipers with R logo
Illuminated VW logo in the rear
R logo projection via exterior mirror housings as surround lighting
Blue accents in the interior
Leather seats in the Vienna design with Crystal Grey stitching (optional sustainable Puglia leather with blue stitching)
21-inch “Leeds” alloy wheels combined with air suspension
Sill panel moldings with illuminated R logo
Vehicle key with leather-covered cap and R logo
Panoramic sliding sunroof
4-zone air conditioning system
Upon request, the flagship model can be equipped with additional 21-inch and 22-inch alloy wheels. In addition to the traditional Lapiz Blue metallic R color, the Touareg R eHybrid is also available in the optional matt paintwork, Silicon Grey matt.
All figures refer to the German market.
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