Tag Archives: News

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A Quick Drive and More Tech Announcements

The ride was short, but provided the essentials—time split between the driver’s seat and the spacious back seat, the two defining spaces in the Lucid Air, the latest luxury electric car to arrive on the market.

This was a pre-production Dream Edition Range model, the actual car used by Lucid execs and Motor Trend magazine staff to demonstrate the car’s range by driving from LA to SF on a single charge. Customer cars are now flowing off the production lines at Lucid’s Arizona factory, so real world test drives are coming soon. Consider this a quick preview.

Lucid Air Dream Edition
Compact outside; spacious inside

Quick is the operative word. Lucid’s two motors and 966 horsepower (in the Range model; the Performance version boasts more than 1,000 horsepower) move the Air smoothly and swiftly to the maximum speed allowed on any road. Road feel is solid and my relatively low-speed run barely teased the potential out of the car.

Lucid Air Dream Edition

Real luxury feel and giant glass 

That’s from the front seat. The ride in back is another world. It’s designed for comfort, part of the car’s goal of making a market in China, where chauffeured high end cars (the initial Lucid models will retail for more than $160,000) are relatively common. Lucid makes a point of the Air having a full-size car’s interior packaged in a midsize car’s exterior. That design sleight of hand, made possible by an electric car’s flat floor reduced need for engine space, is evidently in the spacious leg and headroom.

An additional comment I would add is that the Lucid presents itself as a traditional luxury with full instrumentation in front of the driver and auxiliary controls and information on a hidden tablet that can be summoned with a quick touch. The trim pieces have all the right look and feel to impart to the buyer that he/she has purchased a six-figure car.

One feature struck me as particularly distinctive. While panoramic glass rooms are becoming quite common in the automotive community, the Lucid takes a slightly different approach to the idea. The sweep of the glass from the touchdown point on the hood id uninterrupted (other than by two seemingly floating sun visors) until it reaches a crossbar above and slightly behind the driver. It made for an expansive view of the exterior and enhanced the spacious feeling of the car’s interior.  

More Tech

The battleground for the next round of EVs (the Lucid is only one of a dozen either just introduced or coming soon) has numerous fronts. Lucid has addressed two of those with its 1,000+ horsepower performance model and its companion 528-mile range model. The third area, another one in which Tesla has set the bar, is advanced driver assistance technology (ADAS).

The week after my brief test drive Lucid Group announced details on its DreamDrive driver assistance platform, a suite of technologies that will be standard on the high-end models like the Dream Edition I drove and optional on other models. Like Tesla’s misnamed Autopilot, it’s designed to allow hands-free driving under certain conditions. Unlike Tesla, which appears to be moving to a completely camera-based system, Lucid’s systems uses 32 on-board sensors, including the first use of lidar on a production vehicle.

Lucid Air DreamDrive

Surrounded by sensors

The extensive variety of sensors will allow Lucid to offer more than 30 driver-assistance features, including collision avoidance, Traffic Jam assist and Highway Assist.

The sensors feeding the system include 14 visible-light cameras, five radar units, four surround view cameras, ultrasonic sensors around the vehicle’s exterior and a solid-state lidar sensor. Lucid describes the ultimate system, which will be able to grow in capability via over-the-air software updates, as an “invisible co-pilot.”

The DreamDrive system relies on the car’s proprietary on-board Ethernet Ring to enable quick response and will use the Lucid Air’s 21-speaker audio system to deliver directional alerts while presenting information on the graphic display.

Story by Michael Coates. Photos courtesy of Lucid Group.

More Lucid News:

News: Range Milestones Hit by Lucid

Feature: Lucid’s Studio Approach to Sales

News: Lucid Finally Unveils the Whole Air Package

News: Lucid Announces 500+ Mile Range

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Decorating for the Holidays is a perfect way to social distance. So if you are in the market for a new luxury crossover, the 2021 Infiniti QX55 Carigami can be yours. This fun project allows you and your family to transform folded paper into a 1:27 scale replica.

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While it shares much of the mechanicals with the QX50, the square-back roof was chopped to make a 4-door coupe. It makes use of their variable-compression four-cylinder that offers 268 horsepower. Inside you will enjoy a combination of 7″ and 8″ screens along with 2-tone leather. The latest QX represents the best value in the market for luxury family haulers, so click the button below for more details.

Images(C) Nissan USA

For GREAT deals on a new or used Nissan of Sumter check out Nissan of Sumter TODAY!

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Most of us missed out on the opportunity to purchase a new Dodge Demon for sale because only 3,300 cars were built. It offered 808 horsepower and 717 lb-ft of torque from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Capable of 9-second quarter-mile times, it was banned by the NHRA until a roll cage and other safety equipment could be installed by the owner. Fast forward a few years and the engineers have figured out how to offer the same performance without using race fuel. You better act fast because the 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock will be super limited.

2018 Dodge Demon Specs, Photos, Price, & Review

Due to the extensive modifications to the Challenger Hellcat, Dodge announced that only 200 examples of the Super Stock will be offered. Each one will have 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque for only $81,090. It will arrive with all their drag racing technology like the Power Chiller, Launch Assist, and adjustable suspension modes. The forged 18″ wheels are lighter than those offered on the Demon, but only 4-piston brakes will fit behind them. With 3.09 gears in the differential, there is plenty of room for improvement. Due to their limited numbers you need to get your deposit in ASAP. Click the button below to find our SRT dealer near you and stay with us for all your Dodge news.


For GREAT deals on a new or used Toyota check out Claremont Toyota TODAY!

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2021 F-150 Adds Hybrid, Confirms Full Electric Version

It’s only been five years since the last major redesign of the Ford F-150, not a long time historically in the truck world, but with competition heating up both in the traditional competitors and newcomers, Ford is pushing forward with the introduction of the all-new 2021 F-150, a remake of its best-selling and most lucrative model.

2021 Ford F-150, Ford, news, full-size pickup, electric pickup, hybrid pickup, electrification

A new look for the F-150 (1 of 11)

The goal of the introduction this week, hosted by Ford spokesperson Dennis Leary and featuring a variety of Ford employees and F-150 customers, was to show that Ford is well-aware that its industry-leading position (best-selling truck for the past 43 years) is not something assumed, but an achievement to be re-earned every year. The 2021 Ford F-150 has a very simple goal—maintain and expand that market lead for another year or two.

Highlights of the introduction (some detail below) included the presentation of a new full hybrid model and confirmation that a full-electric version is coming. The other big takeaway is that electrification in a pickup take a significantly different form that in a sedan. In a truck application, the emphasis of a large battery is less on propulsion and zero emission miles than on providing a mobile power source for tools and toys.

Next year’s F-150, which will go on sale this fall, follows the typical pickup mold of offering a dizzying number of options in an attempt to provide a potential pickup for every possible buyer. The completely redesigned truck (every one of the aluminum exterior panel is new) will offer six engines, 13 different wheels and 11 grille options in a half-dozen trim levels.

Fuel Economy Focus

2021 Ford F-150

Aerodynamics & tough pickups don’t always go together

Although no official fuel economy numbers are available, Ford pointed out that it was the most aerodynamic pickup the company has ever designed, employing grille shutters, a new automatically deploying air dam and new cab and tailgate geometry to reduce drag and reduce fuel consumption on all models.

The new hybrid F-150 will use an all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, augmented by a 35-kW/47-horsepower electric motor. A 10-speed transmission and 1.5 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery (mounted between the frame rails so it doesn’t take up any passenger or cargo space) complete the powertrain.

The all-electric F-150 will come in 2022, according to Ford COO Jim Farley. When it arrives, it will likely face several competitors, including the Rivian R1T, GMC Hummer, Tesla Cybertruck, Lordstown Endeavor and Nikola Badger.    

Electrification on the Job

Back to the present, Ford sees electric power as another tool for the job. The 2021 F-150 will come up with up to 7.2 kilowatts (kW) of exportable power, enough to run a generator and a variety of power tools through 120-volt and/or 240-volt outlets.

2021 Ford F-150

Plugs for all your jobs

Inside Ford has added a variety of high-tech features that point out how mainstream the modern pickup has become. One clever addition is that, with a few quick shifts of hardware, the center console can become a desk big enough to hold a laptop. Above that center console half of the F-150 lineup will have 12.0-inch touchscreen displays, matching what’s becoming the standard for the segment. The display will come equipped with Sync4, the latest version of Ford’s infotainment system. Ten new advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are going to be available.

Recognizing the variety of uses a truck might undergo, Ford has designed the front seats to recline 180 degrees, so not only is the pickup and office, but also a bedroom. Under the backseat is a lockable storage unit for stashing away valuables or expensive tools.

The Most List

What a pickup needs is a most list and Ford has drawn up a long one. The stated goal of the 2021 F-150 is to be able to tow the biggest load in its class, carry the heaviest payload, have the most horsepower and torque and also have the longest range.

2021 Ford F-150

More tech than seen in a pickup before

Don’t expect the competition to take this lying down, but Ford also had other news last week that went well beyond the news about the redesign of its best-selling product. The company laid out a goal of becoming of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 with three areas of focus that account for  95 peercent of the companies CO2 emissions:

  • Vehicle use
  • Supply base
  • Facilities

On the vehicle side, it’s putting $11.5 billion through 2022 into the Mustang Mach-E, Transit Commercial and fully electric F-150. It expects all of its manufacturing plants to use 100 percent locally sourced renewable energy by 2035.

Story by Michael Coates

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

Related Stories You Might Enjoy—The F-150 Journey

Comparison Test: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado vs. Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500

News: Ford F-150 Electric Pickup Coming

5 Things to Know About the 2018 F-150 Power Stroke Diesel

News: Ford F-150 Hybrid Confirmed

News: Ford Announces Electric Transit Van

News: Ford’s Mach-E: Selling Car Buyers on Going Electric

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Geneva car show is the biggest and one of the most popular car events in the automotive industry. The event has been taking place annually since the invention of car for over 80 years. Every year it attracts many visitors including professionals, journalists, traders, manufactures and car enthusiasts. Last year over 600,000 visitors attended the event and more than 180 exhibitors displayed. The event has grown exponentially over the last decade burning in new and different highlights to the show which have never been exhibited below.

2021 Geneva car show will take place between 4-14 March 2021 in Switzerland. The event tickets start at 16 CHF. The visitors to the event can expect to see almost everything related to automobile industry including EVs, Hydrogen Cars, Solar mobiles, car parts, tuned cars, super cars, concept cars, accessories and body parts.

 As someone who is exhibiting in the event you can expect to

  • Grow your professional network by meeting with others in the industry all under one roof. The Geneva car shows attracts audience worldwide.
  • Build up brand reputation as all the famous car manufactures including Aston Martin, Mercedes, Toyota, Bentley exhibits and unveil their model regularly in the Geneva car show.
  • Perfect opportunity to unveil and release now models and products to the world as the global media also attend this events and products can go viral in a short time to create a buzz and boost sales $$$

As someone attending the event as a visitor can expect to

  • See and experience the latest car models and technology first-hand than anyone else.
  • Network with professionals and other enthusiasts all over the globe.
  • Enjoy the wide range of automobile on display, good photo opportunity 😉
  • There are many great restaurants and hotels near buy which will make you stay enjoyable. Bar’s offer special discounts for the show visitors.

Due to the current global health crisis situation the 2020 Geneva car show has been cancelled. This will result in the models planned to be launched this year to be moved next year in 2021. Some of the key highlights for next year will be

  • 2021 Audi A3 – all new sports back version; hatchback and sedan.
  • 2021 VW Golf GTI – better performance figures and new design
  • Hyundai Prophecy Concept – sports car with 911 turbo like looks
  • BMW i4 Concept – beauty and performance
  • Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport – a lighter version of the current Chiron
  • Fisker Ocean SUV – labelled as ‘World’s most sustainable SUV’
  • Fiat 500 – Electric version