Daily Archives: September 14, 2016
Spy Shots Of Mid-Engined C8 Chevrolet Corvette Spotted
The images are grainy, but that won’t stop us from contemplating how sexy the mid-engined C8 Chevrolet Corvette will be once it is ready for production and release.
The spy photos show a prototype of the C8 in its actual body, so we can go ahead and start with the speculations. The front end is wrapped in blocky camouflage, effectively covering its contours, but the doors are only wrapped with squiggly patterns. And though there is a camo on the read end, too, it has been stretched tautly thus, revealing the rear’s overall wedge shape.
It’s easy to see that the C8 will have mid-engine proportions, any doubts whether or not the car will have a mid-mounted powerplant should be satisfied with these photos.
What to expect for the rear end are small rear windows, Corvette’s signature quad taillights, amber turn signal lights, forward-hinged doors, and frameless windows.
The C8 is expected to arrive with a small-block V-8 engine that can produce 450 to 500 horsepower. Shifting gears will be handled by a new Tremec-sourced seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.
But aside from this, a hybrid model is also expected to be launched online later in the car’s life cycle. This is based on reports that General Motors trademarked the Corvette E-Ray, meaning it would probably use it on something. The C8 could also be developed using lessons from Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 Turbo and BMW i8. More powerful versions might also be introduced later on, though this would also mean the revival of the ZR1 moniker.
This mid-engined Corvette will reportedly make its debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show in January. It will arrive in showrooms later than year as a 2019 model.
Expect the C8, which would effectively retire the C7 (though a few units will remain for those opting for a traditional powertrain), to top $100,000 in price tag.
2017 Electra Meccanica SOLO Gets Unveiled
Electra Meccanica launched its 2017 Electra Meccanica SOLO electric vehicle (EV) at the Luxury and Supercar Weekend event held at the VanDusen Botanical Garden. Finally, after years of development, the single-rider SOLO is now available for the public.
The idea for SOLO was a product of the brainstorm by CEO Jerry Kroll, founder of KleenSpeed Technologies, and Henry Reisner, President of Intermeccanica Inc., who is now the COO of Electra Meccanica. It was not intended to replace the family car, but was instead dedicated to supplement the driving experience of the commuter in an environmental-friendly way, and at minimal expense.
The SOLO was built from the knowledge that 80 percent of commuters go to work alone. And since the average round trip commute is 40 miles, the SOLO won’t need to be charged in between the house and the workplace because it has a 100-mile range.
The SOLO is powered by a 16.1 kWh lithium ion battery that has a universal power connector that enables connection at both quick charge and standard stations. To fully charge the battery, it needs only three hours on a 220-volt charging station, and twice the amount of that time on a 110-volt station.
It has a top speed of 80 mph, and an ability to go 0-60mph in under eight seconds.
Standing 10 feet in length, the SOLO is about 14 inches longer than a Smart ForTwo and 19 inches shorter than a Fiat 500. It has a a wheelbase of 80.5 inches, a height of 50.5 inches, a front width of 47.6 inches and a lowslung, singleseat configuration.
During its launching, the SOLO will be available in colors based on Electra Meccanica’s corporate palette–Titanium Silver, Electric Red, Raven Black and Arctic White.
Those who want to make a fully-refundable deposit for the SOLO EV can now do so. Release of the vehicle will be in 2017.
2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Has Enhanced Multimedia Functions
Hyundai Sonata receives a number of audio and multimedia enhancements for the model year 2017. Though there are a few upgrades too in terms of transmission and powertrain, the real changes come in the form of a larger seven-inch, high-resolution color touchscreen display audio, standard HD radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the next-generation Blue Link Connected Car system based on a source.
In the heart of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the 2.0-liter Nu GDI four-cylinder engine partnered with a six-speed automatic transmission that has a 38 kW electric motor and clutch. It also boasts of being fuel efficient, thanks to the Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) that can deliver responsive and engaging driving characteristics.
To improve efficiency, the innovative transmission uses an electric oil lamp, making it possible for the Sonata Hybrid to solely operate on electric power at speeds up to 75mph by decoupling the gasoline engine from the rest of the drivetrain.
The Sonata Hybrid Nu’s engine can produce 154 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque while the electric motor can come up with 38 kW (51 horsepower) and 151 lb-ft torque. The hybrid system, on the other hand, has a net power of 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.
The Sonata Hybrid SE has ratings of 39 mpg in the city, 45 mpg on the highway and a combined EPA-estimated rating of 42 mpg. The total estimated range of the Sonata Hybrid is more than 650 miles under typical driving conditions.
The Sonata Hybrid is being offered in an all-new color palette that is going to be available by mid-year. The colors now are Hyper White, Nocturne Black, Metropolis Gray, Ion Silver, Cosmopolitan Red, Astral Blue and Skyline Blue. The interior colors are gray and beige in cloth or leather seating configurations and an additional Blue Pearl option for leather seats.
Pricing is as follows: Sonata Hybrid ($26,000), Sonata Hybrid Limited ($30,100), and Sonata Hybrid Limited with Blue Pearl Interior ($30,100).