autos
LifestyleAutoblogJunkyard Gem: 1992 Dodge Caravan With 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Believe it or not, minivans with manual transmissions once roamed America — not in huge numbers, but they existed. Plenty of mid-engined Toyota Vans and early Previas came with three pedals here, and Ford sold manual-trans Aerostars through 1994 … but Chrysler ruled the American stickshift minivan world, selling non-slushbox Caravans and Voyagers all the way through the 1995 model year. The base-model front-wheel-drive '92 Caravan had an MSRP of $13,706 (about $25,960 in 2021 dollars), and if you wanted a three-speed automatic instead of the standard five-speed you had to pay an extra $576 ($1,090 today).
BusinessAutoblogThis is why Acura hasn't yet announced its EV strategy
Despite parent company Honda's green and friendly brand image, luxury marque Acura hasn't made a grand statement about electrifying their lineup. The reason, according to Acura head honcho Jon Ikeda, is that it's focusing on reestablishing itself as a performance brand. In a wide-ranging interview with Automotive News, Ikeda says Acura came out of the gate strong in 1986 and did well for the first 20 years, but when the bottom fell out of the market in 2008 the brand experienced "growing pains."
EntertainmentAutoblogGaming Roundup | 'Gran Turismo 7' has been delayed
This week we got the sad news that "Gran Turismo 7" has been delayed, the surprising news that "Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered" has added a wrap editor, the awesome news that there's a modern day "Crazy Taxi" clone available for purchase right now and even more! Unfortunately for racing game fans across the globe, Sony has announced that "Gran Turismo 7" is being delayed until next year.
BusinessAutoblogJunkyard Gem: 1984 Subaru BRAT
Dubbed the BRAT (for Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter), the first ones showed up here for the 1978 model year; sales continued through 1987. Japanese-built light trucks were subject to a 25% "chicken tax" tariff, due to a 1960s battle over exports of American chicken parts to Europe, so Subaru installed rear-facing jump seats (with handgrips) in the BRAT and made it a car, legally speaking. Due to an onslaught of lawsuits over BRAT jump seat-related injuries (which continued long after the BRAT stopped being sold here), the 1986 and 1987 BRATs got no jump seats and the sticker price increased accordingly.
BusinessAutoblogVW ID. Buzz getting an autonomous version, reveal timing confirmed
Buzz is going to be a significant model just because it'll be the first time VW has actually brought a retro Microbus to production, and an electric one to boot. Prototype testing begins this year, and the plan is to have autonomous models out in 2025 and to be used in a ride-sharing program like VW's MOIA program it operates in Hamburg and Hanover in Germany. Of course, being an autonomous vehicle, it has various radar or LIDAR sensors tacked to the corners, including a prominent one on a roof bulge.
BusinessAutoblogIt's a V8 party! Lexus IS 500, Cadillac Escalade and more | Autoblog Podcast #667
In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Road Test Editor Zac Palmer. A narrator will take you through the biggest stories or break down one of our comprehensive test drives.
LifestyleAutoblogWin this 2021 Cadillac Escalade and you'll have a home theater in your driveway
No donation or payment necessary to enter or win this sweepstakes. Touchscreens in cars are getting bigger and bigger, and the Cadillac Escalade is the prime example. With a 38-inch display up front and a 36-speaker surround sound system, all this Cadillac is missing is a place to keep your snacks.
LifestyleAutoblog2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L priced, will top out at $66,985
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will start hit dealers later this year, and Jeep just announced pricing in preparation for the SUV’s arrival. Three rows of Grand Cherokee L will start at $38,690, including the $1,695 destination charge. For some perspective, the base two-row 2021 Grand Cherokee (non-L) from the previous generation begins at $33,865.
BusinessAutoblog2022 Land Rover Defender V8 to start at $98,550
Land Rover has announced U.S. pricing for its 2022 Defender lineup, including the brand-new V8 model. The short-wheelbase Defender 90 V8 will start at $98,550 (including $1,350 for destination); the long-wheelbase 110 V8 will start at $101,750. The base Defender 90 climbs $1,600 to $49,050 (the 110's base price of $51,850 remains the same) and some other tweaks were made across the lineup.
LifestyleAutoblog2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe Road Test | Beyond the fashion statement
Modern cars are impressive things; modern luxury cars, even more so. It’s really only important that it have the sort of credentials you expect from a six-figure luxury car; the chances of anyone who buys one taking full advantage of those credentials seems remote.
TechnologyAutoblogPolestar 2 over-the-air update tweaks range, powertrain and infotainment
Polestar pushed out an over-the-air software update for the 2, its electric sedan, that brings powertrain and infotainment modifications, among other changes. Giving an electric car more range by pushing out an over-the-air software update isn't as straightforward as simply instructing it to drive further on a single charge. Polestar told Autoblog that it nonetheless found a way to add a few miles to the 2's official 233-mile range by tweaking the regenerative braking system so that it better balances the recharging process.
LifestyleAutoblog2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD First Drive | Pick your first-world problem
Looking at the 2021 Lexus ES sedan, one couldn’t be faulted for thinking it unchanged from the previous model year. There is a significant new element, however, with Lexus offering an all-wheel-drive ES for the first time. The ES 250 AWD is a bone tossed to customers living in the Snow Belt, many of whom find the confidence of all-wheel drive an easier investment than a set of snow tires for their front-drive vehicle.
NewsCarmudiSMC Autosweep users now at 2.7M and growing
Around 2.7 million vehicles are now equipped with Autosweep RFID tags—with the number eyed to increase further. According to San Miguel Corporation (SMC), the figure doubled compared to the number of stickers the company issued from 2015 to 2019, totaling only to 1.3 million. SMC president Ramon Ang said that the usage of cashless payment is being realized by motorists as it reduces travel time and fuel consumption. “More and more people are realizing the benefits of cashless transactions along our toll roads especially in this pandemic. It saves motorists time and money as it cuts travel time and reduces fuel consumption. Apart from that, it helps in improving air quality along our road systems,” Ang said. To note, the cashless payment method was based on Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) directive for the mandatory implementation of toll collections. Earlier, the operator of Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway also reported that use of electronic toll collection at its expressways increased to 84.9 percent—despite the availability of cash lanes on their toll booths. Ang said that they are expecting the numbers to go up further, even if the government deferred until further notice, the full implementation of cashless toll collection along expressways, originally set for January 11. “Our roving caravans continue to go from village to village to install RFID stickers while our 160 installations sites are still available to motorists. We encourage everyone to join us in embracing this system for a better, safer and convenient travel experience especially in this time of COVID-19,” Ang said. Barely two months this year, SMC has released some 304,571 stickers to various motorists in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. “What this means is that today, there are lesser queues and faster throughput at almost all our toll plazas, because majority are using RFID lanes. And because there’s lesser contact for cash payments, more motorists are protected from possible transmission of the virus, especially now that there’s news of newer strains,” Ang said. Ang is hoping that motorists will find it easier to transition to cashless transactions, given that the government has provided more time time to avail of free RFID stickers, as well as with the company’s ongoing efforts to maintain the optimum number of stickering stations. “While we have installed a record number of stickers these past two months, definitely, we’re no longer seeing the same rush we observed in October, September, and December last year. We also reached our target number of 156 stickering stations by end-December. As of middle of February, we actually had 160 stations. We have also simplified registration procedures. So now is really the best time to get your Autosweep RFID stickers,” he said. All the Autosweep RFID stickering stations are located in various locations in and out Metro Manila—Autosweep RFID Center officers, toll plaza, malls, government offices, transport terminal hubs, and car dealerships. Moreover, with the possible three-strike policy still being considered, SMC reminded RFID users to regularly check their balance and reload using different top-up options. Motorists may top-up at the following retail outlets such as Petron Treats, Savemore, SM Bills Pay and SM Business Services; SM Hypermarket, Waltermart, 7-Eleven, Shopwise and Shopwise Express, Family Mart, Rustan’s, Robinsons Department Store and Robinson’s Supermarkets; The Marketplace, Wellcome supermarket, as well as payments centers Expresspay, Tambunting, LBC, Bayad Centers, and RD pawnshops. Aside from that, they can also conduct online reloading via BPI, Bank of Commerce, Union Bank, China Bank, Maybank, and popular gateways G-Cash, Pay Maya, Eon, Coins.ph, and Justpay.To. Motorists may also opt to use self-service reloading machines such as Touchpay, ECPay, and E-Tap. Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV, San Miguel Corporation Also read: SMC tollroads to go full cashless SMC ready to comply with full cashless toll collection directive ‘Toll holiday’ in Valenzuela ends
TechnologyCarmudi2021 Nissan X-Trail: The pros and cons
Nissan unveiled the 2021 model year version of its X-Trail crossover SUV to the automotive world sometime last year. While we await this latest model’s arrival on local shores, we still have the 2020 model (a carryover from 2017) on sale. Despite being the outgoing model, the locally available Nissan X-Trail still presents plenty of excellent buying propositions for any crossover car buyer. We list the X-Trail’s pros and cons below. Pros 1. Outdoor adventures galore A 2.5-liter (169hp, 233Nm) power mill drives the 4x4 variant, while a 2.0-liter (142hp, 200Nm) propels the 4x2 trim. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) handles shifting duties for both engines. Suspension is made up of an independent strut type with stabilizer at the front and a multi-link strut type with stabilizer at the rear. The X-Trail is also equipped with a Limited Slip Differential for all-terrain peace of mind. Likewise, there’s an All-Mode 4x4 intelligent all-wheel-drive system that intuitively senses slippery roads or rough terrain, then automatically adjusts power sent to each wheel so the driver can maintain control and stability of the vehicle. “X-Trail delivers muscular styling, solid capabilities, next-level technologies and all the comfort and flexibility you need for action-packed adventures with the kids,” Nissan describes. 2. Stylish looks The X-Trail front façade has been redesigned to give the car a uniform V-Motion grille to match Nissan’s current design signature. An enlarged grille houses a chrome-centric V-shape detail, while revised headlights bookend the grille along with sharper LED light signatures. The old circular fog lights have been replaced a more angular set, helping the front achieve a more futuristic look. Out back, the lamps now feature full-LED brake lights and some extra chrome highlights to give it a more upscale aesthetic. The side view is enhanced by a set of new alloy wheel options, while top-spec units get some more chrome trimming on the side skirts. 3. Elevated safety Safety is one area of great areas of improvement in the new X-Trail. Most noteworthy is the introduction of the new Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) suite of driving assistance systems. Among these NIM systems include a new automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and rear cross traffic monitoring to alert you if you’re about to back into unseen traffic. There’s also a moving object detection system that sends out warnings and alerts and can even perform autonomous driving duties when needed. A 360-degree camera provides an all-around bird’s eye view of the car’s surroundings. 3. Quieter cabin The X-Trail facelift has improved sound insulation with better soundproofing materials installed in the car’s nooks and crannies, especially under the hood and in the front fenders. According to car industry pundits and professional car reviewers, these additions immediately make the X-Trail of the quietest in its segment. 4. Comfier, more upscale interior features The most obvious change in the cabin of the new X-Trail is the redesigned steering wheel. Now with a flat-bottomed design instead of the circular one found in the old, the X-Trail cockpit is now easier to get in and out of. The ergonomics of the four-way thumb controllers have also been improved, designed to reduce the amount of time needed to fiddle the controls. A 5-inch infotainment system permits Bluetooth, USB, and iPhone connectivity linking to four or six speakers depending on trim. Though the operating system looks outdated, it’s still plenty responsive. Finally, a panoramic sunroof permits a stunning view of the sky whether night or day. But the icing on the cake has got to be the Zero Gravity seats—sitting in them feels like you’re floating on a cloud. Cons 1. Cramped third row The X-Trail suffers from what most compact crossovers struggle with. The third row is clearly reserved for the kids or adults of smaller stature. 2. A less ergonomic dashboard design The design of the central dashboard console tends to lean a bit on the unappealing side. To be more particular, the overpopulation of buttons around the 5-inch infotainment system makes it look a bit cluttered. 3. Styling may be too conservative for some While the Nissan X-Trail feels solidly built and designed in and out, Nissan plays safe with the overall aesthetics, so the vehicle may look a bit dated to some people. Yay or nay? The Nissan X-Trail isn’t perfect, but so too are most of its rivals. If third row spaciousness is a priority, consider excluding the X-Trail for your next vehicle purchase. Ditto for those who want more contemporary SUV. Otherwise, there’s no reason the X-Trail doesn’t deserve to be shortlisted as your next family car. Photos from Nissan Also read: Car comparison: 2021 Nissan LEAF vs. 2021 Hyundai Ioniq EV 2020 Nissan 370Z: The three variants in detail
NewsCarmudiCleanfuel covers premier location in South Luzon with Batangas City opening
Consistent with their commitment to provide “Quality for Less” to Filipinos, independent oil firm Cleanfuel has recently covered the premier commerce hub in the south of Luzon with the opening of its latest station in Batangas City. Situated along San Jose-Ibaan Road in Barangay Balagtas Batangas City, Cleanfuel Balagtas sits in one of the country trade and commerce hub in the country. The 2,500 square-meter station has given access to an affordable yet premium fuel for motorists traveling towards the road of Maharlika Highway at Santo Tomas in Lipa, Ibaan-Batangas City, and the rest of Calabarzon. The recently-inaugurated facility adds to the other branches in the province such as Calaca, Lipa, and Lemery, giving more Batangueños and the thriving businesses in the area increased access to reasonably priced fuel products. Aside from that, the newly-opened Cleanfuel station is also ready to serve the heavy trucks going to and from the Batangas International Port—considered one of the busiest passenger and container terminals in the country. Aside from being an industrial and infrastructural zone, the Batangas City also serves as the center of marine biodiversity and houses historical landmarks and cultural heritage sites. Cleanfuel president Bong Suntay is proud with the opening of their latest member of their network. “As we look at 2021 being the time for recovery, we would like to share our strength in giving quality fuel for less in this area where commerce has constantly been thriving in keeping the economy afloat,” he noted. With the station inauguration, Batangas City will now be given access to Cleanfuel’s products such as Clean91, Premium 95 and Euro-4 diesel. But top-caliber fuels are only part of the service that Cleanfuel prides on. Customers can also enjoy the first-class amenities such as clean and spacious air-conditioned restrooms, credit card facility, and air and water services. Apart from that, Cleanfuel also offers the VIP reward cards that are given to motorists for free to help patrons further enjoy brand’s customer rewards program filled with numerous, giveaways and discounts with partner establishments. Further, Suntay assured that the new Cleanfuel station is just the opening salvo to the projects that they are targeting for the year. “Our drive to serve more and more Filipinos through our affordable yet reliable product portfolio never ceases,” Suntay cited. “The successful opening of our newest station in Batangas City is a testament to our continued growth and commitment to customer satisfaction providing an affordable yet premium fuel for less. We look forward to sharing our growth with you, and our focus to maintain, if not improve, our high quality services and stations patronized by many motorists. As we say, here in Cleanfuel, ‘Here we grow again’,” Suntay said. Photos from Cleanfuel Also read: Cleanfuel taps Laguna market anew with latest station Cleanfuel partners with Lyka app for newest cashless payment option Cleanfuel bolsters market reach in Pampanga with Mabalacat station
BusinessCarmudiPilipinas Shell Fleet Solutions nabs first carbon offset program customer
The premier carbon neural fleet title in the country belongs to Knowles Electronics Philippines after they signed on to be Pilipinas Shell’s first official customer for the launch of the latter's voluntary carbon offset program. Last January 21, the local arm for the global audio solutions company officially became the first customer for the Shell Fleet Solutions. According to Pilipinas Shell, the partnership with Knowles has helped offset 4.63 tons of carbon dioxide from vehicle emissions, or equivalent of driving back and forth between the north and south of the Philippines 791 times that will make the Knowles’ local fleet carbon neutral. Pilipinas Shell Vice President and General Manager for Shell Mobility Randy Del Valle expressed pride over the latest initiative. “At Shell, we are working towards making business more environmentally sustainable both for ourselves and our partners,” he said. “We’re very excited to partner with a company like Knowles, which shares our vision of carbon neutrality.” For their part, Knowles Vice President and Managing Director Joseph Emmanuel Liwag said that they shared the vision of reducing carbon footprint in the country, as they eye to become a climate-neutral business by 2030. Since its inception in the country back in 2012, the audio solutions provider strongly pushed for sustainable practices. “When we heard of this opportunity to partner with Shell towards a common objective, we were glad that more and more businesses and individuals are recognizing the urgent and critical need to focus on sustainability,” Liwag explained. Knowles has been advocating steps to achieve carbon neutrality milestones over the past few years. In 2013, they conducted a five-hectare reforestation program and changed to full renewable energy for its local operations by 2016. “Shell aims to be a one-stop-shop for the customers’ mobility needs, the voluntary carbon offset offer adds to a portfolio of products and services that Shell has developed for customers to avoid, reduce and offset emissions from their fleet,” said Del Valle. Customers using Shell Fleet Card for business may also sign up for the voluntary carbon offset program. Through this, Shell will track every liter of fuel consumed with their fleet card, allowing the company to offset resulting carbon emissions through Shell’s many nature-based projects around the world. Their global portfolio includes afforestation and reforestation projects in more than 10 million hectares of forest in Canada, China, Indonesia, and Australia. The project will help recapture CO2 emissions in the air. Shell Fleet Solution’s voluntary carbon offset offer in the Philippines is part of a larger thrust to promote the concept worldwide. To date, the program has introduced carbon-neutral driving in five different countries, offseting over one billion liters of fuel for drivers, and partnered with over 200 fleets. “To achieve our vision of sustainability in Shell, there is not one single solution,” said Del Valle. “That’s why the mission is to really work with society, our partners like Knowles, and also the community to help us truly reach the ambition.” Last January, Pilipinas Shell inaugurated a mobility service station in Plaridel, Bulacan that used eco-bricks made from upcycled plastics in its building design. Photos from Pilipinas Shell Also read: Shell Philippines bounces back by giving back Shell opens new import facility in Subic Pilipinas Shell shuts down refinery
BusinessCarmudiChevron hailed as among Asia’s best employers for 2020
Chevron Holdings Inc. (CHI) bagged two employer recognition awards at the 15th Employer Branding Awards., reflecting their praiseworthy practices and workplace culture. The two sets of recognition were the “Best Companies to Work For in Asia 2020” by HR Asia and Global Best Employer Brand Award. Last December 31, CHI was named one of the ‘Best Companies to Work For in Asia 2020’ by HR Asia, for raising the bar for employee engagement and workplace excellence in the region. HR Asia is said to be an authoritative publication for human resource (HR) professionals. “Receiving this award even in the midst of these difficult, uncertain times is immensely meaningful. It is a validation of our emphasis on employee safety and well-being, and on diversity and inclusion as the centerpieces of our culture. It inspires us to continue the Chevron Way and to be agile in responding to changing times,” CHI General Manager Steven James Callaghan said. CHI said that only 21 companies out of the 150 that were shortlisted were hailed as winners. The award winners were selected based on the judging criteria by a panel of judges and on a survey conducted among employees across Asia using the publication’s proprietary Total Engagement Assessment Model. “We are happy to have won the ‘Best Companies to Work For in Asia 2020’ award. This merit is a testament to CHI’s responsible corporate leadership and effective people strategy that endure even amid these trying times. As we all move forward, we will continue to promote a culture where everyone thrives,” Chevron Corporation Director for HR Operations Michelle Green was quoted as saying. Aside from the HR Asia award, CHI was also recognized as Global Best Employer Brand Award at the 15th Employer Branding Awards ceremony last February 16. The Employer Branding Institute bestows such award to companies that have utilized HR strategies in managing their employees and advancing their professional growth after being assessed based on the ability to translate vision into action for HR strategy, cultivation of competencies to build a future-ready organization, fostering an inclusive company culture, and ensuring effective employee engagement. To note, Employer Branding Institute is a global organization comprised of senior HR leaders from over 36 countries. “We are truly honored to be recognized by HR Asia and the Employer Branding Institute as one of the region’s top employers. These awards are a reflection of CHI’s long-established belief in the power of human ingenuity. We dedicate these to our employees who help make our business viable, “Callaghan added. But the latest acknowledgments were not the first for CHI. Back in 2018, they were hailed as the Wellness Company of the Year at the Asia CEO Forum for its health and productivity programs for their manpower. They were also recognized by the same award-giving body as one of the Circle of Excellence awardees of the Kalibrr Top Employer of the Year Award in 2019. Powered by around 1,600 employees, CHI offers its employees development opportunities on top of its competitive compensation and benefits. Upholding its operational tenet "Do it safely or not at all," CHI ensures the health and safety of its employees and communities where it operates through opening a company clinic and providing full-scale training programs for office safety and wellness programs for its employees. It also offers volunteering opportunities and programs promoting diversity and inclusion. In response to the health crisis, CHI immediately shifted to work-from-home arrangements. Financial assistance and health consultations are also continuously provided to help them pull through the pandemic. To also propel the country’s recovery, CHI, together with Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), donated funds to the Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation Inc. last year to provide medical supplies for healthcare workers. Last December, CHI also donated funds to help rehabilitate the communities affected by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. Chevron’s local arm is the local marketer of Caltex in the country. Photos from Chevron Philippines Inc. Also read: Chevron names new downstream general manager and country chairman in PH Chevron Extends Help to Taal victims Chevron Runs to Send Less Fortunate Kids to School
BusinessCarmudiLegado Motors finally brings Innova-challenging GN6
Legado Motors Inc. (LMI), the sole distributor for China automotive marque Guangzhou Automobile Corporation (GAC), has launched the seven-seater minivan GN6. Unveiled through its social media platform in Facebook, the newly-introduced minivan widens the local GAC offering to six—joining the GA4 sedan, GA8 executive sedan, GS4 compact SUV, GM8 premium seven-seater minivan, and the flagship model GS8 midsize SUV in the Philippine stable. Set to compete with the Toyota Innova—which just released its updated version—and the Maxus G50, is being offered at P1.48 million. With that pricing, let’s check if the price tag suits the package—which is currently being offered in single option. As mentioned in our earlier article, the GAC GN6 is equipped with a 1.5 liter gasoline engine mated to a six-speed transmission produced by Aisin Seiki. This pairing produces 169 horsepower and 265 Nm torque. Aside from that, it also has a Bosch 200bar in-cylinder fuel injection technology that helps it achieve a 14 kilometer-per-liter reading. The seven-seater vehicle from China, which was initially released in Saudi Arabia, stands 4,780mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 1730mm tall. The front fascia is accentuated by the bold GAC logo and wing-shaped daytime running lights. To add to that, the GAC GN6 sits on 16-inch alloy wheels. The GAC GN6 is available in three hues namely Pearl White, Elegant Black, and Peacock Blue. For the interior, the newly-introduced model sports captain seats for the second row and a 360-degree Quiet Car technology. It also boasts a 324-liter trunk space—expandable up to 1,100 liters by folding down the third-row seats. To give you a better idea, the space can fit 14 pieces of 20-inch luggage. For safety, the GAC GN6 is fitted with dual front airbags, front side airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), traction control system (TCS), hill-ascend and descend controls, a rearview camera, parking sensors, electronic parking brake, three-point seatbelts with alarm, ISOFIX child seat anchors, brake hold assist, and engine immobilizer with anti-theft alarm. Aside from that, it is also equipped with remote keyless that can access the ignition system, remote window and sunroof controller. Further, the GN6 has Bosch’s latest ESP 9.3 that corrects oversteering at sudden cornering and sudden lane change. It also has a 14-in-1 active safety system that provides uphill and downhill assistance. DO you think it’s worth the price? Photos from Legado Motors Inc. Also read: Duterte Welcomes Chinese Automobile Brand GAC in PH Singson-led China-brand GAC Aggressively Expanding GAC Brings 'Gamechanger' GAC GS3 to PH Spotlight
NewsAutoblogChevy Silverado ZR2 looking bigger, more capable than Trail Boss in spy photos
Since 2019, there have been reports that Chevrolet has been working on a full-size answer to the Ford Raptor and Ram TRX, which were further stoked by a factory-modifed race truck. Now we have spy photos of what seems to be a serious Chevy Silverado off-roader, which we will refer to as ZR2 like its little Colorado sibling. The front bumper, particularly when compared to a Trail Boss prototype seen earlier, seems to be turned up more at the edges for better clearance around the tires.
TechnologyAutoblogBest-selling radar detectors and accessories on Amazon
This radar detector also promises long-range detection and fast processing meant to make the driver aware of a signal before it's too late. The RAD380 has 5,659 ratings on Amazon and a total score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. There are a couple false alarms here and there, but we are satisfied with the purchase overall.
LifestyleAutoblogRingbrothers shows off Coyote-powered 1968 Mercury Cougar
Sadly, there was no in-pwerson SEMA show in 2020, so we missed out on gems like this one. SEMA or no SEMA, the aftermarket carries on, and co-owners Jim and Mike Ring of Ringbrothers (get it?) saw no reason to let their time and effort go to waste. When they're not building wild customs (see: 1,100-horsepower 1972 AMC Javelin AMX) or more subtle showcases (such as this Cougar or their 1971 K5 Chevy Blazer build from 2018), the folks at Ringbrothers crank out factory reproduction parts, whether for old-fashioned restoration or modification purposes.
SportsAutoblogHere's the Lordstown Motors Endurance race truck
Lordstown Motors has revealed a rendering of the race truck they plan to enter in the San Felipe 250 off-road race in April. The answer, not surprisingly, is something very similar to a Lordstown Endurance pickup, but beefed up to tackle the unpaved terrain of Baja California, Mexico. Among them are the four powerful driving lights filling the space between the headlights and DRLs.
TechnologyAutoblogFerrari 250 GTO-inspired GTO Engineering Moderna headed to production
England-based GTO Engineering announced it will build the Ferrari 250 GTO-inspired Moderna it released sketches of in 2020. While the Prancing Horse would undoubtedly prefer to keep the design in the history book, a European court opened the door to replicas and resto-mods when it ruled the firm doesn't own the 250 GTO's silhouette. Computer-generated renderings released by GTO Engineering confirm the Moderna has changed little since we last saw it.
BusinessAutoblogChevrolet may ditch the C8 Corvette's quirky center console
Almost everything about the mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette is positively sublime, but one of its more polarizing features is a high, cockpit-style center console that splits the cabin. It's a distinctive element, and not everybody loves it, but if that's the price of admission for something as great to drive as the C8, we can live with it, but we may not have to for much longer. Per a story in the April issue of Motor Trend (which comes from MidEngineCorvetteForum.com via The Drive), GM's new head designer, Michael Simcoe, is reportedly not a fan of this component of the C8's interior styling, and it may be going away as soon as the 2023 model year.
EntertainmentAutoblogPeugeot reveals new logo, its first big change under Stellantis
Now that Peugeot is part of the newly-formed Stellantis, it’s getting a brand makeover. The start of this reinvention is the introduction of a new logo, the first new Peugeot logo since 2010. It’s one of the bigger logo changes that Peugeot has gone through since the beginning, as the walking, zombie lion it has used for decades is no more.
