New 2021 Ford Bronco Specs Change the Game for Customers

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Ford Bronco is officially a journo favorite. Every week there seems to be another noteworthy change, addition, or disappointment. It feels fair to say that the Bronco might well be the most anticipated SUV of all time. If it was tied with another, the news that Ford has actually changed the Bronco specs to be more powerful than it originally said might put it over the edge. 

2021 Ford Bronco | Ford

The 2021 Ford Bronco specs just got better

As of the summer of 2020, Ford confirmed the power figures for the base-model turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder and the 2.7-liter V6. The little turbo-four was set to make 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 would make 310 hp and 400 lb-ft. 

2021 Ford Bronco
2021 Ford Bronco | Ford

According to The Drive, Ford has recently announced that those numbers are going to change. Who knows why Ford would make a change like that right before the Ford Bronco (which has been delayed multiple times) is set to start deliveries. 

The Broncos are getting a power bump

Ford isn’t tossing an extra couple of ponies under the hood with a slight tune; the 2.3-liter will see a 30-hp power increase. This will bring the base Ford Bronco specs to 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The 2021 Ford Bronco spec increase doesn’t stop there. 

2021 Ford Bronco in red covered in fishing gear pared next to a pond
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Outer Banks | Ford

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The Bigger V6 is grabbing some extra ponies, too. The up-trim models are now making 330 hp and 415 lb-ft. For reference, this kind of power bump would typically come from buying a stage 1 kit or maybe a $2k-$3k price bump with a performance option. The fact that Ford is just giving this to faithful Bronco orderers is pretty impressive. 

This news broke on Ford’s in-house blog, Bronco Nation. Although this is pretty exciting news for 2021 Bronco buyers, there is a small catch to the power boost. 

To take full advantage of this extra boost in power, Ford says you have to run premium fuel. So, while the power potential from Ford is free, running 93 octane is far from it.

However, The Drive notes that even if you run regular-grade fuel, there is still a small power bump of about 5 hp and torque for the 2.3-liter and the V6. 

The New Ford Bronco is the most powerful one ever made 

At the peak of Bronco displacement, the Windsor V8 only made about 210 hp. Now the 2.3-liter has half the cylinders and about half the overall displacement. It just goes to show how far engine design and development have come. 

These turbocharged four-cylinders are really impressive. The fact that such a small engine can create more power and torque wh=ile also being far friendlier on the gas front is nothing short of miraculous. 

If Ford can overcome the immense hurdle of delays, production log jambs, and parts supply, the 2021 Ford Bronco should be the most efficient and usable Bronco ever made. This Bronco will be remembered as an icon for years to come for its smaller and more efficient power plants to a modern aesthetic. Make way for the Horse king.

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The 2023 Subaru Solterra EV Is On The Way

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Subaru has announced a name for its brand new all-electric SUV. The 2023 Subaru Solterra is the exciting result of a crossover project with Toyota. The new EV’s design benefits from both makers’ expertise. There haven’t been many details released, but some insights paint an informed picture of the exciting release.

2023 Subaru Solterra | Subaru

The 2023 Solterra is a joint venture with Toyota

Where Subaru rules in AWD, Toyota has an award-winning history in the hybrid vehicle market. Toyota has long been called the king of hybrid cars. The Toyota Prius put hybrid vehicles on the map. Since then, Toyota has expanded its hybrid offerings and is now releasing its own all-electric SUV.

The maker has expanded its focus to the all-electric market. The upcoming Toyota BZ4X shares the same all-new EV platform that the Solterra is built on. Both vehicles are exciting additions to the upcoming wave of EV crossovers and SUVs.

Photos of the BZ4X show a roomy and comfortable-looking interior. It’s possible that the Solaterra could share the same spacious cabin. Buyers can certainly expect a Subaru suspension to deliver a smooth ride. These new non-luxury EV SUV options may offer stiff competition to brands like Tesla.

Standard all-wheel drive won’t disappoint Subaru fans

an illuminated Subaru logo
Subaru logo | Chesnot via Getty Images

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The name Subaru is synonymous with AWD. Many fans feel the brand has the best AWD technology on the market. Subaru AWD systems have fewer moving parts than other brands. This means fewer breakdowns and more reliability.

Subaru’s systems are unique. They’re lighter than other AWD systems, which means less power drain. Electric vehicles depend on keeping weight light, making Subaru’s AWD technology a perfect fit for an EV. More information is needed to accurately assess the SUV’s suitability for off-roading and extreme-weather driving.

While prospective buyers wait for exact specifications to be released, Subaru has made some commitments. The New EV will boast state-of-the-art safety technology, all-weather dependability, and Subaru’s trusted reliability.

Details are light but some assumptions can be made

The new Subaru Solterra EV SUV badge

RELATED: The New Subaru EV Is Powered by Toyota

Subaru is keeping the exact details of the Solterra under wraps, but there is a rational basis for some speculation. It’s safe to assume the EV will have a competitive range with other models in its class. The Subaru Solterra will likely have a range at or above 250 miles to compete with cars like the Mustang Mach E.

Subaru has focused its releases about the Solterra on the EVs AWD technology. The Solterra will likely have both rear and front motors to power all four wheels. Even though Subaru makes lightweight AWD systems, the feature puts more power drain on a vehicle. The battery range has not been released, but it will need to compensate for the size and power of the SUV.

The brand new e-Subaru Global Platform is a dedicated all-electric architecture. It’s based on the Subaru Global Platform, so named as it was designed to serve all body types and powertrains. Details on how the platform was tailored for the Solterra are yet to be released.

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Is the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 a Good Truck?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 is a popular pickup truck for those looking to buy used. While Dodge and Ram no longer make trucks together, that doesn’t mean you need to shy away from this pickup. This pickup comes with various cab options, trims, and engines to make it the right truck for any driver’s needs.

What is a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 worth?

A Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck on display | Anthony Lanzilote/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Since the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 is a few years old at this point, the truck can be found for a reasonable price. By searching Autotrader, a 2010 truck is available for around $15,000 with under 50,000 miles. Under $12,000, there is one available with under 200,000 miles.

It really depends on the mileage of the truck to determine what a fair price is. The good news is that depreciation has already taken place, so used truck won’t have to worry about that.

If you are looking into a used truck, be sure to get an inspection or ask for maintenance records. This can help determine how much one might spend fixing or upgrading the truck in the first few years.

Are the 2010 Rams good trucks?

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Edmunds had positive things to say about the Dodge Ram truck. With a strong V8 engine and a smooth ride, the 2010 Dodge Ram aimed to please. It was redesigned in 2009 and came into the next year with a fresh look. A full-size pickup that offers a heavy-duty coil-spring rear suspension, which added to the smooth ride.

The interior offered an attractive design, and the variety of trims allowed for different budgets. Edmunds recommends the 5.7L V8 over the other options as it got better fuel economy and more power. It also came with an integrated brake controller and trailer-towing mirrors.

The ST model came in both the regular and extended cab. This offered 17-inch wheels, vinyl flooring, and air conditioning. The SLT came in all available cab options, added alloy wheels, chrome trim, and heated outside mirrors.

The Sport trim also came in all cab styles and added the V8, colored grille, and new bucket seats. The TRX came with the 4×4 quad and crew cab models. It offered skid plates, two-tone paint options, heavy-duty rear shocks, and fender flares.

Additionally, there was a Laramie trim, Big Horn package, and Lone Star package. The variety of trim and package options made this an affordable and customizable choice.

What is the best year for Dodge Ram?

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That really depends on what kind of truck is needed. Newer trucks come with more safety features and higher towing capacities. Older trucks have more features for a smaller price and less of the depreciation drama.

For the 2010 Ram 1500 truck, the 3.7L V6 gets 215 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy was 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

With the 4.7L V8, the truck makes 310 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy while in two-wheel drive is 14 miles per gallon in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. In four-wheel drive, the mileage per gallon drops by one.

The 5.7L V8 has a 390 horsepower output and 407 lb-ft of torque. With two-wheel drive, the mileage is 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Mileage drops again by one while in four-wheel drive.

With so many options available, it should be easy enough to locate the right truck.

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The Harley-Davidson LiveWire Is Now Its Own Electric Bike Brand

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Although the Street 750 and 500 had to go, the Harley-Davidson lineup isn’t necessarily shrinking. The new Pan America adventure bike is starting to hit the road (and trails), and there are rumors of a new Sportster on the horizon. And Harley-Davidson hasn’t forgotten about its electric bike. Only the Harley-Davidson LiveWire isn’t just getting some showroom siblings; it’s getting its own sub-brand.

The current Harley-Davidson LiveWire is now the flagship of its own electric bike sub-brand

2021 Harley-Davidson LiveWire | Harley-Davidson

Up until now, there’s only been one Harley-Davidson electric motorcycle, the LiveWire. But while it’s been well-reviewed, it’s struggled to gain significant traction.

Firstly, that’s because, like many EVs, there’s an issue with charging infrastructure, Road & Track explains. Secondly, although Harley-Davidson now has e-bikes, they’re not electric motorcycles. And finally, with a $29,799 base price, the LiveWire isn’t exactly cheap.

Now, though, Harley is addressing some of these issues. As part of its ‘Hardwire’ turnaround plan, Harley-Davidson created an executive position dedicated to electric bikes, Roadshow reports. This position would oversee an entire electric motorcycle division which, originally, didn’t have a name, Roadshow explains. But it does now: LiveWire.

Here’s how this works. The current Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric bike isn’t going away, Road & Track reports. But going forward it will serve as the flagship of the LiveWire sub-brand. Think like the Polestar 1 is for Polestar and Volvo, or the Toyota Prius is for the modern Prius lineup, R&T and Autoblog explain. And this brand will focus predominantly on getting younger urban customers onto its electric bikes, The Drive reports.

The planned LiveWire motorcycles will also have dedicated showrooms, Cycle World reports. As of this writing, it’s unclear if they’ll be added onto or incorporated into existing Harley-Davidson dealerships. However, the LiveWire sub-brand will also have digital retail fronts in addition to physical ones.

The electric motorcycle segment is starting to fill up

A black-clad rider on a silver Sondors Metacycle on a city street underneath a bridge
Sondors Metacycle side | Sondors

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Harley-Davidson’s decision to turn the sole LiveWire into a full electric bike lineup comes at a crucial time for two-wheeled EVs. E-bike company Sondors has announced its first electric motorcycle. And start-ups like Tarform and Volcon are getting close to releasing their first production models.

But it’s not just newcomers that are getting into the electric motorcycle segment. Well-established brands are, too, and Harley-Davidson is just one of them.

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Kawasaki has an electric bike in the works, as does Triumph. MV Agusta also plans to release an electric motorcycle “‘within the next six years,'” MCN reports. Husqvarna now has an electric prototype, the E-Pilen, Motorcyclist reports. The British brand BSA is being resurrected as a fully electric marque. And let’s not forget the bike companies that have been all-electric from the start: Cake and Zero.

In short, the new Harley-Davidson LiveWire sub-brand faces even more competition than when the original model debuted. And if it’s going to survive and thrive, it will need proper support and competitive (and competitively-priced) bikes. Bikes that, as of this writing, we have no official details on.

When will the other LiveWire Harley-Davidson electric bikes show up?

A close-up of a white LiveWire-branded electric motorcycle
Upcoming LiveWire electric motorcycle closeup | Harley-Davidson

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Luckily, we won’t have to wait long to hear the new plans for the Harley-Davidson electric bike sub-brand. The company plans to unveil the first LiveWire-branded motorcycle on July 8th, 2021. As of this writing, we don’t have an official opening date for the planned showrooms. However, we do know the first ones will be in California.

Until then, we’ll just have to wait and see how much joy these new LiveWires will spark.

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