Can the Ford F-150 Lightning Compete With the GMC Hummer EV?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Although President Biden got a sneak peek, the wraps are officially off the Ford F-150 Lightning. And at first glance, the Blue Oval’s electric pickup truck has a lot to offer potential buyers. But it’s not the only upcoming EV truck: the GMC Hummer EV is also close to hitting dealerships. So, between the two, which is the better buy for you?

How much will the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning and GMC Hummer EV cost?

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning front 3/4 | Ford

While the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning trims can get expensive, the base model is fairly affordable. A base Lightning starts at $39,974 before EV tax credits, while the XLT, the next trim up, starts at $52,974.

As of this writing, Ford hasn’t confirmed how much the Lightning Lariat costs. But the top trim, the Lightning Platinum, starts at just under $90.5K, Autoblog reports.

A white GMC Hummer EV Truck in a forest-lined grassy field
GMC Hummer EV Truck | GMC

However, even at that price, the Ford F-150 Lightning is cheaper than the GMC Hummer EV, at least initially. The first Hummer EVs will be Edition 1 models, and they start at $112,595. And there won’t be a version of the Hummer that’s cheaper than the Lightning until spring 2023 when the $89,995 EV2X arrives, Roadshow reports. The cheapest version of the GMC Hummer EV, the $79,995 EV2, won’t arrive until spring 2024.

What kind of range do the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning and GMC Hummer EV offer?

A cutaway diagram of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning showing its electric motors and battery pack
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning battery cutaway | Ford

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has two battery options: standard-range and extended-range. As of this writing, Ford hasn’t released either pack’s storage capacity. However, the automaker claims the former pack is good for 230 miles of range, and the latter for 300 miles.

In contrast, GMC has released both range claims and capacity data for the Hummer EV. Part of the reason it weighs about 4.5 tons is that it comes with a 200-kWh battery pack. It’s the largest pack of any production EV so far, The Drive reports, and it gives the Hummer a claimed 350-mile range.

RELATED: 2024 GMC Hummer EV vs. The Rivian R1S: Does One SUV Fall Flat?

It’s worth noting, though, that the EPA hasn’t officially certified either electric pickup truck’s range claims. And as with any vehicle, towing a heavy load will decrease the range, Car and Driver notes.

Which electric truck can tow and carry more?

Speaking of towing, we still don’t know how much the GMC Hummer EV can tow. As of this writing, GM hasn’t revealed that figure or the truck’s payload capacity. Based on the Hummer EV’s horsepower and torque figures, Car and Driver estimates it can haul more than the Ford F-150 Lightning. But we can’t be sure until the official figures are released.

RELATED: President Biden Takes the Ford F-150 Lightning Out For a Spin: ‘This sucker’s quick’

As for the Ford F-150 Lightning, its towing and payload capacities change based on which battery pack it has. Equipped with the standard pack, the Lightning can tow up to 7700 pounds and carry up to 2000 pounds. Models with the extended-range pack have a 10,000-lb towing capacity, but only an 1800-lb payload capacity.

What sort of features do they offer?

RELATED: GMC Hummer EV vs. Tesla Model X: Off-Roading Machines?

With the GMC Hummer EV positioned as an electric off-roader, most of its features and accessories focus around it. But because it’s also a brand flagship, it has several luxury features, too. So

Both the GMC Hummer EV and the Ford F-150 Lightning have four-wheel drive and underbody protection. However, the Hummer combines that with four-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, and the ability to ‘crab-walk’ sideways. It also has more ground clearance than the Lightning and multiple optional cameras for spotting low-lying obstacles. And it comes with removable glass roof panels.

Workers at a home construction site run power tools and store items in a silver 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning XLT
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning XLT frunk storage and power outlets | Ford

In contrast to the GMC Hummer EV’s off-road focus, the Ford F-150 Lightning is more about utility. Like the Hummer, it has a front trunk, only the Ford’s ‘frunk’ has multiple power outlets and a drain plug. The Lightning also has an onboard generator that can power a typical home for three days and onboard scales to ensure you don’t overload it, Autoblog reports.

Which electric truck should you get, the Ford F-150 Lightning or the GMC Hummer EV?

As of this writing, neither the Ford F-150 Lightning nor the GMC Hummer EV is available in dealers. The Lightning should hit dealers in spring 2022, and you can reserve one for $100. But you’ll have to act fast because over 20,000 people have already done so.

As for the Hummer EV, the Edition 1 models should hit dealers in fall 2021. But those trucks are already spoken for. If you want a lower-end trim like the $99,995 EV3X arriving in fall 2022, the refundable reservation costs $100.

The white-and-black-leather front seats and dashboard of a GMC Hummer EV Truck Edition 1
GMC Hummer EV Truck Edition 1 front interior | GMC

Without driving these electric trucks back-to-back, it’s difficult to truly say which is the one to buy. But if you’re after a luxury off-roader, the Hummer is the more appropriate choice. In contrast, the Lightning is more of a work truck.

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Janet Jackson’s Vintage Chevy Pickup Truck Just Set a Pricey World Record

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Janet Jackson needs no introduction. However, her vintage Chevy pickup truck, which just broke a pricey world record, might. Apparently, Janet Jackson had a crispy clean 1956 Chevy pickup. Amidst a massive 1,000-item auction, Jackson’s ‘56 Chevy went for a record-breaking sum. 

Janet Jackson’s 1956 Chevy Cameo 3100 | Julien’s Auctions

Why did Janet Jackson’s vintage Chevy pickup truck sell for so much? 

For starters, the 1956 Chevy pickup is clean. According to the auction house that ran the sale, Julien’s Auctions, Jackson’s 1956 Chevrolet 3100 Cameo 1/2-ton pickup has a 265ci V8 and 3-speed manual on the column. Clearly, this beautiful black Chevy has been completely restored to nearly perfect original condition.

The auction house notes that Chuck Jordon designed it as an upscale version of GM’s classic 3100 series. But, Jackson also deserves credit in the taste department. This vintage Chevy pickup truck has standard brakes and no power steering. It is typical to booger these trucks up with all manner of fancy modern doodads, and thankful Jackson steered clear of all that. 

1956 Chevrolet 3100 Cameo specs

Front grille of a vintage chevy pickup truck
Janet Jackson’s 1956 Chevy Cameo 3100 | Julien’s Auctions

RELATED: This Vintage Dodge Pickup Truck Is Actually a Ram TRX in Disguise

The standard equipment on this up-list truck was the solid full hubcaps from the ‘55 Bel-Air, chrome taillights from a ’54 Bel Air, panoramic rear glass, deluxe interior including carpet, chrome, and radio. 

This vintage Chevy has all the bells and whistles. Along with all its chrome trim and fancy wheels, it comes equipped with the 265ci V8 making a modest 155 horsepower. The little V8 is paired with a Hydra-Matic 3-speed manual transmission, 2-barrel carburetor, electric wipers, heater, directional signals, external sun visor, front and rear bumper guards. 

Not only is this truck well-equipped and owned by a celebrity, but it is also quite rare. Only 1,452 of these trucks were ever made. Between those three things, a world record price isn’t so shocking.

How much is Janet Jackson’s 1956 Chevy pickup truck worth? 

back of a black 1956 chevy 3100 pickup truck
Janet Jackson’s 1956 Chevy Cameo 3100 | Julien’s Auctions

The auction saw the final bid at an astounding $112,500. This is not only $70,000 higher than the estimated value, but according to Bloomberg, this is the most expensive one ever to sell. This sale price represents a whopping 43 percent premium over the market price for even the finest examples. 

While this might seem ridiculous for someone to spend so much more than these vintage Chevy pickup trucks are typically worth, the buyer is clearly a massive Jackson fan. Arlan Hamilton, the founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital. The firm’s mission is to invest in companies founded by women, people of color, and LGBTQI+ community members.

After purchasing the pickup, Hamilton took to Facebook live and, with tears in his eyes, said, “I did want to tell her that she has touched so many people’s lives, and she really is the reason I am standing here today.”

This actually all makes sense

profile of a black 1956 Chevy pickup truck
Janet Jackson’s 1956 Chevy Cameo 3100 | Julien’s Auctions

At the end of the day, the final bid was more than the market says these Chevy Cameos are worth. However, the rarity of the truck, along with the tasteful restoration and, most importantly, being owned by Janet Jackson, put this pickup into a completely different category than the rest of these trucks for Hamilton. 

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The 2021 Hyundai Veloster N Is a Cheap Sports Car Under $40,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When it comes to sports cars, the Hyundai Veloster fills a certain niche that other cars don’t fill. Not only is it a sports car, but it’s also a very affordable one. Here’s a look at the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N and how it’s a quick sports car that costs under $40,000.

How this model is different

Like MotorTrend wrote, for the 2021 model year, Hyundai has made some significant and impressive changes to the Veloster N. Off the bat, the biggest change is probably the performance upgrade that the 2021 Veloster N gets compared to prior model years. That’s largely because Hyundai’s Performance Package option is now a standard feature for the Veloster N. 

As a result of that change, the Hyundai Veloster N’s 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine gains about 10 percent more horsepower. Instead of the standard engine’s 250 hp, the Veloster N now gets 275 hp. While this change doesn’t affect the Veloster N’s torque numbers, which is still 260 lb-ft, it does give it a few other performance-enhancing features. 

For example, MotorTrend said that the Veloster N now gets, “a limited-slip differential, electronically-adjustable dampers, bigger brakes with better cooling capacity, an active exhaust system, and stickier summer tires on 19-inch wheels.” 

There are also new bucket seats with a new design, a new dual-clutch option, and for those who get the dual-clutch option, an “NGS” button that will temporarily boost the Veloster N’s torque for about 20 seconds.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N worth it?

The Hyundai Veloster N | Paul Marotta/Getty Images

RELATED: The 2021 Hyundai Veloster Actually Comes With Plenty of Standard Safety Features

These performance upgrades will predictably increase the Hyundai Veloster N’s price tag, however. MotorTrend said that the 2020 Veloster N started at about $29,000, but the 2021 Veloster N will start at about $33,000. For comparison, the regular 2021 Veloster starts at around $20,000.

No matter what transmission option customers choose, MotorTrend said that the 2021 Veloster N is an “undeniably quick” car. With a manual transmission, it accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in about 5.9 seconds. With the new dual-clutch option, however, MotorTrend cut that time down to just 5.1 seconds. For reference, that new dual-clutch option costs about $1,500.

However, whether the Veloster N is worth it or not is ultimately up to the owner. As MotorTrend said, since the 2021 Veloster N is pricier than before, it does give itself some new competition for its price.

For a few thousand dollars more, there are faster options available. But a few thousand dollars is a significant amount of money. So for folks who want a fast and fun car that’s in the $33,000 range, the Veloster N is a pretty good option.

The pros and cons of the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N

The Hyundai Veloster N is a pretty good option because the Veloster N largely lives up to its goals. As MotorTrend wrote, it’s a good-looking car that drives well and sounds great when it’s on the road.

Not only is it fast, but it also handles well, and that makes it a fun car to drive. As such, for customers looking for a sports car that can do those things well, the Veloster N is an affordable option that definitely meets those demands. 

But of course, it’s not a perfect car. Other than costing more than last year, MotorTrend said that the Veloster N could use more polish, especially for its brakes, its tires, and its suspension tuning. On top of that, while the Veloster N is a powerful and aggressive car, that’s not necessarily the case with its transmission. As far as its auto shifting feature goes, MotorTrend said that it leaves much to be desired. 

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We’re Here for Elon Musk and Ford CEO’s Budding Social Media Bromance

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla and Ford are two of the most popular automakers in the States, but both tend to attract different clientele. Ford’s most popular vehicle is the Ford-150, a powerful truck that outsells its rivals (and pretty much everything else) each year. Ford also manufactured the Mustang, a legendary sports car that’s been around since the ’60s.

Tesla is mainly focused on luxury EVs, though most of them do have sporty handling qualities. The CEOs of both companies also come from vastly different backgrounds. However, as The Drive reports, that doesn’t stop these two from subtly complimenting each other on social media.

The executives of Ford and Tesla

Elon Musk is definitely the more popular of the two, and not just for his hot takes on Twitter. Besides his involvement with Tesla, he’s also had a hand in developing the Boring Company tunnels and PayPal. His recent ventures involve planning for human exploration on Mars and controversial Neurolink devices.

On the other hand, James D. Farley (or “Jim”) seems like a much more conventional pick for a CEO. Ford is the most notable company he’s associated with, inherited from Jim Hackett. Beforehand, Farley led Ford’s Technology and Strategy departments in the U.S. and acted as president for the company’s overseas divisions.

Ford shouts out Tesla

Ford CEO Jim Farley and the Ford F-150 Lightning | JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images

The most recent display of Farley’s fondness toward Tesla was during the press release for the electrified Ford F-150 Lightning. Along with showcasing his company’s own vehicles, Farley named Tesla as a brand that “changed the status quo.” Farley also praised Elon Musk publicly on Twitter for the successful launch of a SpaceX rocket.

Farley probably appreciated Musk’s cameo on SNL recently, since his Twitter bio contains a reference to white vans by the river. That’s a quote from a Chris Farley sketch, the late cousin of Jim. Many entertainment critics weren’t pleased with Musk’s performance, and Farley might not have problems poking fun at him either.

When announcing Ford’s new BlueCruise hands-free driving system, he mentioned that it already tested “so customers don’t have to.” Many saw this as a jab towards Tesla’s AutoPilot program that has caused numerous driver fatalities and injuries.

Elon Musk’s Twitter response

Musk didn’t respond to the BlueCruise tweet directly, but he did react to an auto news account’s tweet. While the iconic scene from Tommy Boy definitely doesn’t present a safe ride, the tweet doesn’t come off as malicious. At least, we hope not: it would be incredibly poor taste, considering Farley’s cousin was included in the scene.

Musk was actually the first to initiate the friendship with Farley. He mentioned on Twitter that both Ford and Tesla were the only two American automakers to avoid bankruptcy.

It’s highly unconventional for two competing automakers to praise each other, but Farley responded with encouragement. Musk has also thanked Farley when he offered congratulations for SpaceX.

Where’s the love for Tesla?

While Teslas seem to be all the rage, some industry members don’t hold much faith in the company’s staying power. As The Drive previously reported, most of Tesla’s profits aren’t from actual auto sales. In 2018, almost $190 million of Tesla’s revenue for the third quarter came from selling pollution credits. 

However, some of Tesla’s regulatory credit customers are expected to withdraw their support since more automakers have EVs of their own. Tesla also gets a hefty chunk of change from Bitcoin (which probably is changing), another precarious market. Additionally, more EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E have proven worthy adversaries to Tesla vehicles from a performance standpoint.

A competitive market combined with the loss of two primary funding sources could make for a major loss. A joint partnership between Ford and Tesla would bring the company back up to speed, should it be necessary. 

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