Filson Released a New Line of Motorcycle Apparel and It Doesn’t Disappoint

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Filson is one of America’s oldest clothiers. If you know anything about the history and vibe of Filson, you know there is an emphasis on heavy-duty workwear covering a large swath of occupational categories. So, Filson coming out with a line of motorcycle apparel and accessories really makes pretty good sense. 

Filson Motorcycle apparel | Filson

The Filson motorcycle helmet is the coolest

Filson has built its name on a platform of waxed canvas, oiled tin cloth, and other such early American industrial materials. It is a logical step for Filson to make. 

Filson X Bell helmet collaboration
Filson X Bell MX-9 | Filson

Motorcycle apparel is all about function over form because the function is literally life-saving. However, Filson seems to have cracked the code on designing a line of motorcycle apparel that looks great and is safe and functional. This new line of moto gear is called the Alcan collection. 

Filson X Bell collab is the coolest item of the Alcan collection

Filson X Bell helmet collaboration
Filson X Bell MX-9 | Filson

RELATED: Fastest Dual Sport Motorcycles

According to Gear Patrol, Filson and Bell teamed up to design the Filson branded Bell MX-9 moto helmet. It looks exactly like what one may expect from a Filson motorcycle helmet; old school, stylish, and brown. 

The MX-9 Adventure is a dual-sport style helmet, which basically mixes the pointed beak of dirt bike helmets with the rounded shape of road bike helmets. The result is a hybrid road-warrior helmet that looks as sleek as it does tough. 

Bell needs no introduction. It is a no-brainer for a company as old as Filson to collaborate with one of the oldest helmet makers in the game. Bell has been an industry leader in helmets since 1954, when Roy Richter built his first helmet for himself. 

According to Bell, these early helmets were used specifically in the Hot-rad racing scene out west. In 1955 Bell saw its first product on the main stage with an appearance in the Indianapolis 500. 

The Filson MX-9 still uses all the safety tech goodness that keeps Moto GP racers safe today, with just a touch of flair from the fine folks at Filson. 

You know Filson had to make a jacket, gloves, bags, etc

Filson oil cloth pack
Filson Oil Cloth pack | Filson

The Alcan collection is more than just a Filson branded helmet. Filson is a clothing maker, after all. So when they announced the motorcycle apparel collection, the first thought should be waxed canvas. 

The Alcan Canvas Cruiser is Filson through and through. Waxed canvas is the Filson way. It is a material that has been popular amongst outdoors people for ages. This stuff is heavy, tough, and waterproof; pretty much everything needed in a good motorcycle jacket. 

The Alcan Tin Cloth Tool Backpack is the next logical step. This pack is meant to carry motoring essentials like tools, water, and spare clothes. Having these items on your bike can be a life-saving step.

Filson has designed a very on-brand pack to assist in carrying these items safely and practically and looking fly while doing so. 

The Alcan collection has a few more muted pieces like black-on-black gloves, a vest, a light jacket, pants, and a small tool roll. Overall the Filson motorcycle apparel collection is a simple and hearty collection of clothing and accessories that embody the rugged spirit of Filson and motorcycling with the refined touch of the fashion world. 

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Unplugged Performance Can Modify Your Tesla Model 3

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Modifying a new Tesla Model 3 might not be on everyone’s agenda, but that hasn’t stopped companies from offering the service. The shop offers performance and exterior upgrades for the Model 3, Model Y, Model X, and Model S.

Modifying a Tesla Model 3

Unplugged Performance can modify your Tesla Model 3 | Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Unplugged Performance shared to their social media audience last week that after right years in the business, Tesla officially authorized the company for service and body repair.

“Our technicians have completed Tesla’s official training, we have received Tesla’s access to vehicle diagnostic equipment, proprietary Tesla repair tools, and direct replacement parts access.” 

Unplugged Performance | Instagram

Back in 2013, Unplugged Performance opened in Hawthorne, California, next to the Tesla Design Center. At this time, the company took delivery of a Tesla Model S and got to work. By July 2014, the Unplugged Performance Tesla Model S was ready.

The company has continued to grow and expand to the other Tesla models. More performance and exterior upgrades will likely be available soon now that the company has more access to Tesla-branded knowledge and tools.

What does Unplugged Performance offer?

RELATED: Best New and Used Electric Vehicles Under $35,000

Unplugged Performance will modify your Model 3, Model Y, Model X, and Model S. Some of the performance upgrades include lowering springs ($365-$420), stainless steel brake lines ($200), and performance brake pads ($275-$570). There are a few varieties of brake pad options for competitive drivers and the non-performance version.

Additionally, some Brembo brake kits are available. Rear traction arms and pro race coilovers are also listed. Rear toe arm and camber arm sets will run you $399. There is also a full autocross package with adjustable shocks and a rear sway bar for around $2,300.

For exterior aerodynamics, a front lip spoiler ($695-$995), front fascia ($1,995-$2,795), and side skirt set ($1,595-$2,795) are available for purchase. The Unplugged Ascension-R carbon fiber rear wing will cost you $1,995-$2,990). For $4,995, you can get dry carbon fiber hybrid front and rear doors.

Other items include four or six-point racing harnesses, bucket seats, and ultra-light Lexan glass.

What is a Tesla Model 3 S-APEX performance upgrade?

RELATED: What to Expect When Test Driving a Tesla

While this type of project won’t be for every Tesla driver, it is becoming more popular. The company is currently working on adding more items to the product catalog. As that happens, drivers will be able to modify more on each Tesla model.

By being authorized by Tesla, UP can now use Tesla tools and replacement parts. Diagnostic issues and direct training from Tesla can also help make this the first of many Tesla tuner shops.

In 2020, Elon Musk went on the Joe Rogan Podcast and gave the go-ahead to modifying Teslas. The pair was specifically discussing the S-Apex from UP when Rogan asked about modifying Tesla vehicles. “Sounds good to me, sure,” Musk said when asked.

The S-APEX makes the Model S lighter with a 19-piece carbon fiber body, racing suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, and ultra-light wheels. The package costs anywhere from $29,995-$39,995.

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Is the 2021 Kia Telluride Worth an Extra $25K?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Kia Telluride is the hottest new SUV to hit the market. However, one dealership in Montana thinks that the demand is worth a huge price increase. This particular Telluride is all-wheel-drive with a black exterior and black copper interior, but does that make it worth the price?

A Kia Telluride for double the price

The Kia Telluride SUV sits on display, but is it worth a huge markup? | Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Motor 1 reported (through a Reddit post) that Rimrock Auto Group out in Montana is taking an aggressive sales strategy. On a note posted on the window of a 2021 Kia Telluride SX SUV, the dealership noted it was the “most sought after vehicle in the world.”

The hand-written note goes on to explain that the Telluride is the most highly-rated SUV on the market. “But you already know that. that’s why you’re here today.” Due to that, the Rimrock Auto Group plans on adding $15,000 to $18,000 over the original MSRP to take advantage of that.

“We cannot order you one, nor can we dealer trade for one. The colors and options that we currently have in stock are what are available for you to purchase today. If what we have in stock is something that you can see yourself owning at our market adjusted price, then we would be happy to take you on a test drive. If the foretasted conditions are not agreeable, then we appreciate you stopping buy however we are not going to be offering a test drive at this time. “

Motor 1

The final nail in the coffin is that the dealership will not allow for test drives if those stipulations don’t work. Rimrock appreciates people “stopping buy” but isn’t in a rush to sell.

Is this a good move to get rid of the Telluride? Probably not. If nothing else, that could send buyers to a different brand entirely.

A myriad of markups for the 2021 Kia Telluride

RELATED: Is the Kia Telluride SUV Worth the Money?

The Kia in question is currently listed on the Rimrock Auto Group website for a final price of $78,995. The retail price is listed at $53,505. That’s a markup of over $25,490 without any of the tax or other fees included.

It isn’t the markup that is the issue. Many in-demand cars are marked up to weed out the less passionate buyers. Additionally, the high demand for cars, in general, this year means that prices are often driven higher. However, the tone of the note is what really sets this apart.

By not allowing test drives, declining to order a new one, and not allowing trades, this note has the potential to leave a bad taste in one’s mouth.

The 2021 Kia Telluride has a few trim options. The LX starts at $32,190. The S model starts at $34,590. The EX starts at $37,590. Finally, the SX trim starts at $42,490.

So even at the starting price of $53,505, that is already marked up $11,015. That includes some extra features (like all-wheel-drive) and added bits. If we add $25,490, this particular Telluride is priced over $36,505 the MSRP with added options.

What other cars are available under $78K?

RELATED: Kia Telluride, Honda Passport, Toyota RAV4 Are Great Family SUVs

A 2021 BMW M3 Sedan has a starting MSRP of $69,900. A Mercedes 2021 GLS 450 SUV starts at $76,000. Buyers could get a 2021 Audi Q7 for 54,950.

Basically, buyers can get a lot of cars for under the asking price of this 2021 Telluride. Perhaps a few very cool used Honda Accords would work. Even a top-level trim 2021 Hyundai Palisade or 2021 Toyota Highlander are in the budget. Both of these ranked just below the Telluride on Consumer Reports Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row list.

That definitely isn’t to say the Kia Telluride isn’t worth the MSRP, but it might not be worth almost $80,000.

The post Is the 2021 Kia Telluride Worth an Extra $25K? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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The Most Popular 2021 Ford F-150 Trim Isn’t Necessarily the Best

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ford F-150 is the most popular truck in the world. It’s also the most popular vehicle of any kind in the U.S. It offers buyers a huge variety of trim levels and configurations to pick among. But buyers will be interested to hear that the most popular 2021 Ford F-150 trims aren’t necessarily the best.

How good is the 2021 Ford F-150?

The Ford F-150 has been redesigned for the 2021 model year. There aren’t mind-bending changes, but it does now offer a hybrid powertrain. It has six trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited.

It also has three cab sizes, three bed lengths, and six powertrains. The powertrains include multiple gas and diesel engines along with the hybrid. It has excellent towing capabilities, even with the hybrid powertrain. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are both available.

It also has a redesigned interior and a new infotainment system along with an onboard generator. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, but a 12-inch screen is available. With its numerous configuration options, the 2021 Ford F-150 is the Edmunds Top Rated Truck for 2021.

The 2021 Ford F-150 | Nic Antaya/Getty Images

RELATED: 3 of the Most Comfortable Pickup Trucks You Can Buy in 2021

Edmunds says the F-150 XL Regular cab is one of the most popular versions. It starts at $28,940 with the 6.5-foot bed or $29,240 for the 8-foot bed. The Regular cab is the smallest and seats three.

This version has the 290-hp 3.3-liter V6 engine. This base trim of the work truck has vinyl flooring, manual mirrors and windows, and single-zone air conditioning. It has an 8-inch touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It does have trailer sway control and pre-wired trailer connections. The XL trim provides lane departure warning and forward collision mitigation.

Another popular version, according to Edmunds, is the F-150 XLT SuperCrew four-wheel drive with a 5.5-foot bed. This version starts at $43,805, although the XLT trim starts at $36,745. The SuperCrew is the largest cab and seats six. This price also provides the 290-hp 3.3-liter V6 engine.

The XLT provides a few more practical features, like carpeted flooring, power door locks, power windows, and a power-locking tailgate. It also has fog lights, cruise control, and front-seat lumbar adjustments. The XLT adds blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, and lane-keeping assist.

In addition, the XLT has available packages for drivers who want a larger touchscreen or an upgraded audio system.

Both Edmunds and Car and Driver recommend the Lariat trim of the 2021 Ford F-150. The Lariat trim comes in either SuperCab (with a 6.5-foot or 8-foot bed) or SuperCrew (with a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed). Its lowest price starts at $44,695, which is quite a bit more than the XLT trim.

It includes the same advanced safety features as the XL and XLT trims, but the Lariat trim adds a number of premium comfort features. That includes leather upholstery, the 12-inch touchscreen, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

It also has heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats and power-adjustable pedals. The Lariat trim includes remote start and remote tailgate release, LED bed lighting, and a Class IV trailer hitch. There are three trim levels higher than the Lariat, but Car and Driver feels the Lariat trim offers the “best mix of features and affordability.”

Why more people buy the XL and XLT trims

The XL, XLT, and Lariat are the three lowest trims (out of six) offered for the 2021 Ford F-150. While the XL and XLT might be the lowest, they are anything but plain and basic. They still offer drivers technology and safety features. The Lariat trim is the one Edmunds and Car and Driver favor, but drivers don’t necessarily want to pay extra for added comfort features.

People have all sorts of reasons for buying a pick-up truck. While the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat trim might offer the most features for the money, the lower XL and XLT trims still give buyers a number of the features that drivers expect today, and they do it at a lower price point.

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