Oh No! Caviar “Transforms” Tesla Model S With Gobs of Gold Glitz

by Gabrielle DeSantis

This is Caviar’s Model Excellence 24K. Caviar “customizes” things like iPhones 12s with its own unique take on gold applique. Now it has Teslas in its sights. True to form it has applied its customizing MO to this Tesla Model S. 

Caviar “double electroplated technique” gold contrasts against the black

Caviar 24K gold Tesla Model S | Caviar

The Model S grille, bumper trim, side mirror caps, fenders, doors, rear diffuser, trunk lid, wheels, and brake discs received the 24 karat treatment. Caviar uses a “double electroplated technique” combined with the high contrast it creates against the black paint. 

If you remember the Firebird Trans Am “Screaming Chicken” gold-on-black model the Model Excellence 24K follows that lead. Along with all of the gold dipping the Caviar logo is bonked onto the body where Tesla badges used to reside. “First Edition” emblems are seen on the front fenders and trunk lid as well. 

The gobs of gold reminds you of Caviar’s involvement

Caviar 24K gold Tesla Model S rear 3/4 view
Caviar 24K gold Tesla Model S | Caviar

RELATED: Tesla Model S 2021 Redesign And 520-Mile Range-Competition Stunned

Inside the infotainment surround, dash trim, and steering wheel also get the gold glitz. A Caviar logo is also found in the middle of the steering wheel. If the gobs of gold don’t remind you of Caviar’s involvement then the steering wheel logo seals the deal. 

Caviar is making only 99 of its Model S Model Excellence 24K. Added to a Plaid version of the Model S the total cost is $299,000. Just as a reminder, the MSRP for a Tesla Model S with the Plaid option is $119,990. With the Plaid option, the Tesla has 1,100 hp with 0-60 times in less than two seconds. 

Caviar’s following comes from its limited iPhone 12 editions

Caviar iPhone 12 gold versions
Caviar iPhone 12 gold versions | Caviar

To get a sense of the following that Caviar has it offers two special versions of the iPhone 12. Depending on the storage the model comes from Apple with the Black Titanium prices range from $6,150 to $7,380. For the Gold Titanium model, the price jumps from $6,600 to $7,830.

So these specialty boutique companies demand a premium to breathe on whatever they are selling. That is what Caviar wants to apply to the Tesla Model S. It’s a little over the top but has its appeal. 

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Why You Should Pass On the 2021 Ford Escape and Pick the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ford Escape continues to be one of the most popular options for shoppers in the SUV market. It comes from a trusted American automaker, has a roomy interior, and gives drivers satisfying handling. However, some critics don’t think the Escape is all it’s cracked up to be, especially when compared to a vehicle like the Chevrolet Equinox.

Consumer Reports says you should stay away from the Ford Escape. Instead, the site recommends choosing the Chevy Equinox, proven to be more reliable. While it’s not the most popular compact SUV, the Equinox is an understated alternative to its Ford rival.

Why CR disapproves of the 2021 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is responsive behind the wheel, but engine hiccups detract from the experience. The base engine vibrates and the transmission sometimes shifts roughly at low speeds. Testers also reported that the Escape’s ride tends to be firm and the brake pedal requires heavy inputs.

The interior quality looks good at a glance, and the cloth seats are surprisingly comfortable compared to the ones in some rivals. However, some panels don’t fit correctly, even on the higher trims. Pricier models also lack surprisingly common features, like auto-up windows and leather steering wheels.

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is better

RELATED: Consumer Reports Only Recommended 1 Chevy SUV for 2021

Although it’s slightly slower than the Ford Escape, the Chevrolet Equinox still exhibits a satisfying drive. The base trim has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. The standard six-speed transmission is louder than you might find in other compact SUVs, but CR says it’s not too intrusive.

The outgoing model offered a 252-hp turbo-four, but that option was discontinued for the 2021 model year. The Equinox’s engine is also less efficient compared to the Escape’s base offering. While it lacks a well-needed punch, the standard motor still contributes to a serene ride and solid handling. The brakes are also easier to operate compared to the Ford Escape. 

The Chevy Equinox’s interior is nothing special and many of the components have a flimsy feel. Despite their drabby appearance, the cloth seats are still supportive and have many adjustability settings. Leather is also an option, as well as heating for both rows.

The driver’s seat provides adequate room for one’s head and shoulders, though visibility is limited at the side and rear windows. CR also appreciated how much stretch-out space can be utilized by backset riders. However, the seatbacks are less welcoming compared to those in the cabin.

Chevy’s infotainment system is easy to use and many functions can be adjusted right from the Equinox’s steering wheel. The base trim comes standard with smartphone integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and many USB ports. The menus are easy to navigate, but some testers thought that the font was too small.

There’s a bigger touchscreen upgrade, but CR cautions that it makes fingerprints more visible. For safety equipment, a base Chevrolet Equinox has a forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, a Teen Driver system, and automatic emergency braking. For everything included, that’s a nice value at the Equinox’s entry price of $23,800.

Other recommendations from Consumer Reports

The Mazda CX-5 tends to outshine the Chevrolet Equinox for both owners and CR testers. It has some of the sportiest handling in the segment, paired with a quiet ride and plentiful standard features. However, some of those features are hard to master and the engines don’t get the best mileage.

The Subaru Forester takes the top spot on CR’s compact SUV ratings, along with the highest owner satisfaction score. The standard AWD enhances its capability with little detriment to fuel economy. The Ford Escape is still a respectable SUV choice, but its rivals simply do everything better.

The post Why You Should Pass On the 2021 Ford Escape and Pick the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Indian–Yes, That Indian–Once Made Outboard Boat Motors

by Gabrielle DeSantis

An automaker collaborating with a boat company, like Volkswagen’s doing with Silent-Yachts, isn’t anything new or necessarily unusual. Motorcycle companies, though, rarely dabble in the boating world—except, of course, as motor suppliers. Companies like Yamaha, Suzuki, and Honda all make outboard boat motors. And once upon a time, so did Indian.

Indian Motorcycles briefly made outboard motors for boats

1928 Indian 101 Scout | JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP via Getty Images

No, that’s not a typo or miscommunication: the Indian Motorcycle company once sold outboard boat motors. And this isn’t like how Mercury Racing has the same name as the discontinued automaker despite being a completely unrelated entity. The same company that made the 101 Scout also made boat engines—albeit briefly.

In the late ‘20s, Indian had several excellent bikes, like the Scout, the original Chief, and the Ace-derived Four. And by that point, it and Harley-Davidson were the only major American motorcycle companies left. However, the Great Depression meant no one was buying bikes, so Indian tried to diversify, the San Diego Automotive Museum explains.

A silver-and-blue Indian Silver Arrow outboard boat motor on its stand
Indian Silver Arrow outboard boat motor | Mecum

Unfortunately, none of Indian’s diversification attempts were truly successful. But for a short time, it meant you could get a genuine Indian snowmobile engine, Bonhams reports. And boat owners could pick up an Indian Silver Arrow outboard motor.

Does the Indian Silver Arrow outboard boat motor share anything with the motorcycle engines?

Sources are slightly contradictory when it comes to Indian Silver Arrow outboard motor production.

The side view of a silver Indian Silver Arrow outboard boat motor on its stand
Indian Silver Arrow outboard boat motor side | Mecum

RELATED: Mercury vs. Yamaha Outboards: It All Comes To Down To Preference

According to Farm Collector, Indian only made boat engines for one year. However, the New Zealand Maritime Museum reports the motorcycle company made outboard motors in 1929 and 1930. As a result, some examples date from 1929 and some from 1930. And depending on when they were originally sold, some may date from 1931, like the motor sold in a June 2020 Mecum auction.

Regardless, the Indian Silver Arrow doesn’t appear to share much with the company’s contemporary bike engines. That’s slightly odd, seeing as several Honda outboard motors are based on the company’s car engines, Car and Driver reports. However, the Silver Arrow does have a few motorcycle-like touches.

RELATED: The 4000-Hp Tecnomar Is the Lamborghini of Yachts

The Indian Silver Arrow is a twin-cylinder boat motor, but it’s not a four-stroke V-twin. Instead, it’s a two-stroke 321cc opposed-twin engine, Mecum reports. And it only makes 8-10 hp, NZMM reports. On the plus side, it’s less than four feet long, Mecum reports. But, while it uses a pull starter rather than a kickstarter, it does have a motorcycle-like twist throttle. And the cooling ridges on the engine case borrow from Indian’s motorcycle expertise.

A Silver Arrow can cost more than a new Indian

Indian Silver Arrow outboard boat motors rarely come up for sale at auctions. And given production was likely fairly small, that’s unsurprising. However, well-restored and/or pristine examples can be more expensive than you might think.

The side view of a black-and-red 2022 Indian FTR by a gray building
2022 Indian FTR side | Indian

RELATED: Meet the Arno XI: Ferrari’s Only Racing Hydroplane Boat

Although Silver Arrows have sold for less than $5000, in January 2020 one example sold for $14,160 at a Mecum auction. That’s more than a base 2022 Indian FTR or a 2021 Scout Bobber. This begs the question: could someone make a modern Silver Arrow with the Scout’s V-twin?

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The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Definitely Isn’t a Ford F-150 Alternative

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is on its way, and it’s not your average compact pickup truck. It’s not a truck for serious hauling and towing. It’s certainly not a match for the likes of the Ford F-Series but it’s not trying to be. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the perfect truck for a specific type of driver. Who will this compact truck work for and what does it feature? We’ve got all the details.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact truck

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is basically the new Tucson SUV with a truck bed grafted onto it. The bed is only four feet long with the tailgate closed, so there’s not a lot of space. In the plus column, according to MotorTrend, it’s 14 inches shorter in overall length than the Honda Ridgeline making it easier to park.

Since the bed is four feet wide, you can still load a good number of things into it. The tailgate also helps, easily adjustable and removable without tools. The Santa Cruz has a maximum payload capacity of more than 1,700 pounds with around 600 pounds in the bed.

While it can’t tow trailers or haul large loads, it still has many useful features like a standard LED lighting setup that shines into the trunk when you open it. It has a lockable trunk in the bed beneath the load floor like the Ridgeline. It also has a drain plug for easy cleaning or use as a very large cooler which could be great at a tailgate party. It has cubbies at the sides of the bed, bumper corner steps, and a 115-volt power outlet.

What is this truck technically?

RELATED: Don’t Get It Twisted — the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Won’t Forget Where It Came From

On the inside, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is virtually identical to the redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson in the front. It offers an 8-inch standard screen for navigating the infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. There’s a 10.25-inch screen available.

While you get analog dials standard, you do get an assortment of USB ports and a wireless phone charger. Upper trims give you more features like a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, heated and cooled seats, and a Bose audio system.

In the back, Santa Cruz is very different from Tucson. To make room for the bed, the back is smaller with less legroom. 

It offers a host of standard safety features like forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane centering functionality, and lane-keeping assist. Other features are available like a 360-degree camera set up, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance, blind-spot cameras, and more.

The tow rating ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds. You can’t tow much, but it’s enough for a small camper or a utility trailer. It’s not the Ford F-Series so you don’t get integrated brake controllers and other towing-assist features.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The base model of the new 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a front-wheel-drive configuration. It’s the only one now that Ridgeline dropped the option. If you move up to the HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, and it’s available across the lineup. As much as 50 percent of the power can be sent to the rear wheels through a lockable clutched center differential.

The truck has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood that gets 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged version of the engine is also available that gets up to 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. You get an eight-speed automatic transmission with the base engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters with the turbo.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a strut suspension according to MotorTrend with a multilink design at the rear that gives the truck a completely independent suspension like the Honda Ridgeline’s. To keep the truck level, even when you’re hauling or towing, the rear suspension has standard self-leveling shock absorbers.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz can’t hang with the Ford F-150. But it can be the ideal truck for city dwellers who drive an hour out of town for biking, hiking, kayaking, and more on the weekends. They’ll like the fact that it’s easy to park in the city too.

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