How the Tesla Models S Could Kill Range Anxiety

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Tesla Model S is shaking up the electric vehicle market. The EV category is one of the fastest-growing in the automotive industry. Brands are pledging to end the production of ICE vehicles, and charging infrastructure has become a focus. One issue that consistently keeps potential EV buyers from converting is range anxiety. The fear of being stranded too far from a charging facility. The Tesla Model S could be set to change that. Recent data from a Car and Driver road test suggest that EVs are ready to replace many ICE vehicles.

Tesla Model S | Tesla

Range anxiety is real and valid

Range anxiety describes the apprehension electric vehicle drivers feel about making it to their destinations before needing a charge. It’s a natural feeling when there’s a limited number of Tesla chargers available and only in select locations. As EVs increase in range and charging becomes easier, this feeling will naturally pass. There arealready signs that it’s on the way out and the Model S is part of the reason why.

Charging infrastructure hasn’t kept up with the spread of electric vehicles. Consumer demands for more charging stations have prompted investors to expand the network. This uneven distribution of charging stations is a major source of logistical concern for Tesla owners.

Market observations make it clear that high prices do not deter EV buyers. Starting MSRPs for electric vehicles can cost twice as much as gas-powered options, but sales are rising. When range anxiety is no longer a factor, sales are likely to go up even more. EV makers have been throwing resources and development into increasing battery life and range to close this gap. That work is starting to pay huge returns.

Tesla Model S is the first EV in Car and Driver testing history to pass 300 miles

A Tesla charger
Tesla Supercharger Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images

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Car and Driver are famous for its rigorous fuel range and fuel economy testing. Every factor down to the weather and traffic conditions is controlled as highly as possible to ensure test data remains consistent. The same out and back 100-mile loop of Michigan’s I-94 is used as the test track. Every vehicle is driven at 75 miles per hour under specific fueling or charging guidelines.

The Tesla Model S Long Range Plus put down 320 miles under these conditions. Testers were particularly impressed by the security they felt in the Model S. In previous EV tests, the course had to be shortened, and many testers felt stress about making it back. The log range plus eliminated that worry.

This gives the EV a range comparable to many IzcE vehicles on the road today. The technology to give electric vehicles equal range to their ICE rivals is already on the road today. Given the coming expansion of the charging grid, there will no longer be major roadblocks to EV’s ruling the roads.

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You Can Cross the Sahara on a Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Considering what the 2021 Pan America 1250 offers, Harley-Davidson might cause a shake-up in the adventure bike world. But the Pan America isn’t the only way to take a Harley off the beaten, or rather, paved path. And no, this isn’t about the Buell Ulysses. With enough prep work, it’s possible to make a decent off-roader out of some unorthodox machines. For example, taking a Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster through the Sahara during Scram Africa.

Scram Africa lets scramblers loose in the desert

Scram Africa 2021 poster | Fuel Motorcycles

Several international off-road races, such as the Paris-Dakar and the Baja 1000, welcome motorcycle entrants. But while Scram Africa was inspired by the Paris-Dakar, it isn’t a race, Cycle World explains. Instead, Fuel Motorcycles, the company that created the event, describes it as an “experience [of] adventure and friendship.”

Although the exact route changes year-to-year, the overall Scram Africa formula has been the same since it started in 2011. The event sees riders criss-cross Morocco over multiple days, covering 1200-1500 miles and multiple kinds of terrain. That means mountains, plains, rivers, and, yes, parts of the Sahara Desert, Cycle World reports. And depending on which riding group you’re in, you might use a map and compass rather than GPS, Flat-Out explains. But there is a digital roadbook to help the truly lost find their way, Meta reports.

Originally, Fuel Motorcycles allowed a wide variety of off-road-prepped bikes to take part in Scram Africa. Starting in 2017, though, the event shifted to customized motorcycles and dedicated scramblers, new and classic. However, that doesn’t mean riders are limited to Triumph and Ducati Scramblers or the BMW R nineT Urban G/S. A modified Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster is also welcome.

What’s it like riding a Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster scrambler through the desert?

An olive-green 2021 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster next to a concrete bridge
2021 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster | Harley-Davidson

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At first glance, a Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster seems like an odd choice for an off-road bike, given that it’s a cruiser. However, seeing as an Indian Scout can be modified for jungle duty, why not an Iron 883 for desert riding?

To be sure, a Harley-Davidson Iron 883 isn’t an ideal off-road machine, partially due to its 550-lb curb weight, CW reports. But some adventure bikes weigh noticeably more. And with the proper clutch and sand-riding techniques, it’s possible to avoid getting too stuck.

RELATED: Can a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE Keep up With a Honda Africa Twin Off-Road?

All the same, having the right armored gear is crucial, because crashes and spills are inevitable. And riding over dunes and rocks means damage is a distinct possibility. The Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster scrambler CW borrowed sheared off a rear shock bolt, wore down a rear tire, and almost clogged its air cleaner. Still, as Fuel Motorcycles founder Karles Vives told CW, “‘the fun is in the challenge.'”

You can build your own and experience the desert yourself

The red-and-white Biltwell Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster scrambler 'Frijole 883' racing in the NORRA Mexican 1000
Biltwell’s Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster scrambler ‘Frijole 883’ | Biltwell

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The Fuel Motorcycles team isn’t the first to turn a Harley-Davidson Iron 883 or some other Sportster into a scrambler. Gear company Biltwell entered a Sportster scrambler in the NORRA Mexican 1000 and finished 27th out of 43 bikes. And in 1986, another modified Sportster finished fourth in its class at the Baja 1000, Motorcyclist reports. Harley-Davidson Iron 883 scrambler builds have also competed in the Mint 400, RideApart reports.

It helps that the Harley-Davidson Sportster platform is a long-lived and reliable one. As a result, these bikes are commonly modified into a variety of custom builds. And it’s possible to turn a Sportster into an off-roader fairly easily, even on a budget, RevZilla reports.

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It’s mostly down to off-road wheels and tires, skid plates and similar protection, and a quality set of off-road shocks with extra ground clearance. Traxxion Dynamics, for example, has a long-travel fork kit specifically for Iron 883 and Iron 1200 Sportster scrambler builds. Hugo Moto has a full bolt-on kit, CW reports. And multiple tire companies have off-road tires sized for Sportsters, Cruiser reports.

As for the Scram Africa, registration costs about $3700. The fee includes ferry transport, food, lodging, and access to chase trucks and GPS. Riders are only responsible for fuel, renting or bringing along their bike, and getting to the ferry, CW explains.

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2020 Didn’t Slow Down the Ford Ranger at All

by Gabrielle DeSantis

With a pandemic raging throughout the year and many people reluctant to make major purchases, 2020 was not always lucrative for the auto industry. Surprisingly, however, some vehicles performed phenomenally, and the Ford Ranger is one of them. Let’s explore the Ranger’s impressive sales numbers over the past year and why it sold so well.

2020 Ford Ranger sales thrived despite the pandemic

RELATED: Pickup Truck Sales Appear to Be Pandemic-Proof

While many automakers experienced a drop in sales during 2020, data from GoodCarBadCar shows the Ford Ranger saw a startling sales spike during this period. It didn’t just hold its own, either: The Ranger’s 2020 sales were higher than they’ve been since 2005, when GoodCarBadCar began tracking these stats.

The Ranger sold 101,485 units in the United States in 2020. The previous year, it sold 83,571 units. And during its lowest point in 2012, this truck sold just 23,848 units. The only year in which it outperformed its 2020 numbers was 2005, selling 120,958 units.

The Ranger doesn’t appear to be slowing down, either. So far in 2021, it has sold nearly 37,000 units, and its first-quarter sales are approximately 3,000 units higher than they were for the same period in 2020. These numbers are also trending upward, meaning sales are looking great for the Ranger in 2021.

Why did the Ford Ranger perform so well last year?

The Ford Ranger’s staggering sales spike during such a challenging period begs the question: What exactly happened? Though there’s no single definitive cause, Ford Authority attributes the Ranger’s 2020 success to two significant factors.

The first is simply a matter of quality. The Ranger has always performed well in its segment and in 2020 maintained a lead over its direct rivals except for the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Authority reports. This level of brand recognition, as well as the Ranger’s affordability, likely helped this vehicle continue to attract buyers even during the pandemic. 

The second factor is more specific to 2020. Ford Authority hypothesizes the pandemic might’ve affected the Ranger’s supply chain less severely than its key competitors’ supply chains. This meant the Ranger was more readily available throughout the year, contributing to the rise in sales. 

What to expect from the Blue Oval’s midsize pickup truck

The 2021 Ford Ranger ranks second on U.S. News‘s list of compact pickup trucks. It starts at $24,820 and packs a 2.3-liter inline-four engine making 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 4×2 version is EPA estimated at 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2021 Ranger comes standard with a 2.3-inch display screen, 911 Assist, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Other convenience features, such as cruise control and automatic high beams, are optional.

U.S. News reviewers praise the Ranger, saying it “does almost everything well.” In particular, the Ranger stands out thanks to its good fuel economy and comfortable handling. Test drivers found that this truck shifts smoothly and accelerates rapidly, with minimal turbo lag. 

It also offers class-leading payload capabilities of up to 1,860 pounds. And it excels in towing ability, with a maximum capacity of 7,500 pounds. 

According to U.S. News, the only areas where the Ranger struggles are its firm ride and somewhat dull cabin. It also doesn’t offer the same off-road capabilities as many rivals. Though it can hold its own in off-road scenarios, it requires several optional packages to help it perform its best.

Even with these shortcomings, the Ford Ranger is popular for many reasons. Thanks to its class-leading payload and towing capabilities, fuel efficiency, and affordable price, it’s easy to see why this truck sold so well throughout this challenging time.

The post 2020 Didn’t Slow Down the Ford Ranger at All appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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The 2017 Porsche Macan GTS is All the Car Anyone Needs

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Life comes at you fast. Blink and you’ve got a mortgage, 23 kids, ten dogs, and no free time. For most consumers, that’s where the crossover comes in. Big enough to haul all the kids and dogs with ground clearance to spare, they do make sense to some. However, most enthusiasts will tell prospective buyers to go buy an older fast station wagon instead; and do so with torches and pitchforks raised. That said, those same enthusiasts will lower their torches when you tell them you’ve bought a Porsche Macan GTS. As they should.

Is the Porsche Macan a better value?

The new Porsche Macan | Seong Joon Cho via Getty Images

Porsche’s Macan appears on the surface to be nothing more than something crafted by the bean-counters at the Zuffenhausen-based company. Designed to fit into the small SUV-shaped hole in Porsche’s lineup, it’s an easy vehicle to overlook. Need an SUV? Get a Cayenne. Wagon? A Porsche Panamera. But the Macan fits nicely in between, a car for those looking for a little more height without losing the sporty feel of a fast station wagon.

In keeping with the enthusiast-driven logic, the Macan GTS, which sits above the base Macan and Macan S, is the one to have. The GTS is near the top of the line, offering 360 hp and the best options. Only the Turbo S trim sits above it. Some of these options include adaptive dampers and a gruff-sounding valved exhaust. Just like the SUV itself, good on paper. But is it better than a wagon at the same price point?

A used 2017 Macan GTS like the one I was lucky enough to drive retails for around $50,000-$65,000. As far as newer station wagons go, there aren’t many performance wagons available at this price point. Porsche’s wagon competitor, the Panamera 4, will run you another $10,000 or so. Volvo’s V60 Polestar of similar vintage comes closest in price but lacks the fit and finish of the Macan. As far as used, small, fast luxury SUVs go, the Macan is king.

The Macan GTS is the GT-best

A shadowy photograph of the nose of the Porsche Macan , highlighting the body lines of the car.
The Porsche Macan, shown in S trim | Patrick T. Fallon via Getty Images

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In addition to its twin-turbo V6, the Macan GTS touts all-wheel drive and Porsche’s fantastic 7-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, known alternatively as the PDK. Driving the GTS, the first thing you notice is the valved exhaust. Forgive the cliche, but the Macan GTS really does roar to life. Cold starts sound amazing, and the fantastic interior only adds to the initial impression the SUV gives off. Head-to-toe leather and carbon fiber make the 2017 Macan GTS feel like a 2021 model. The plethora of buttons on the center console is a little overwhelming at first, but the layout is familiar, and controls are easy to use.

Driving the Macan GTS proves that Porsche it’s head in the right place. The brakes inspire confidence despite the SUV’s portly 4,178-lb curb weight. Speaking of controlling that weight, Porsche nailed the suspension settings for the Macan, though Sport Plus mode is a bit bouncy. Comfort and Sport suspension settings are best, and body roll is minimal for an SUV of this size, especially given the Macan’s weight.

The twin-turbo V6’s power is so linear I had to check and make sure it did have turbos, and speed builds quickly enough to get you in trouble if you’re not careful. Thankfully, the Macan lets you know just how fast you’re going thanks to that fantastic exhaust, so it’s easier to be a nuisance to the neighbors than get a ticket. With that in mind, the Macan’s motor sits in the just-under-400hp sweet spot. Goldilocks, not too little, not too much. If so inclined, the Porsche does reward hooligan-like behavior. The combination of the above factors inspires confidence and lets you have fun.

The 2017 Porsche Macan GTS is a steal

The black, leather-wrapped wheel of a Porsche Macan photographed from the exterior looking in.
The interior of the Porsche Macan | Simon Song via Getty Images

The Porsche Macan GTS is shockingly competent. It eschews every stereotype surrounding the fast SUV, like lazy handling and poor ride. Interior quality is fantastic, controls are easy to learn and find, and it has driving fun in spades. From the outside looking in, the general public has no idea it will hit 60mph as fast as a stick-shift Carerra of the same year. That very same 2017 Carerra will also run you another $20-$30,000 over the 2017 Macan’s price of around $60,000.

As an enthusiast alternative to the ever-popular hot hatch or wagon (looking at you, Golf R) the Porsche Macan GTS is hard to beat. Not only is it hard to beat as a driver’s car, but the depreciation curve has also caught up to the Macan, keeping its pricing competitive with rivals new and old.

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