Hyundai has been teasing the A-segment SUV it calls “Casper” for a while now. It should be available before the end of 2021. But not in the US. In Korea, Hyundai has been taking reservations at the dedicated Casper website.
Is Casper named after the “Friendly Ghost?”
2022 Hyundai Casper mini-SUV | Hyundai
Let’s address the name briefly. No, it is not named after Casper the Friendly Ghost. Instead, it takes its name from a skateboard-flipping stunt invented in the 1970s by Bobby “Casper” Boyden. With that out of the way, let’s look and lament at the pint-size Casper.
This segment of vehicles is popular in Asian countries because of weight and size tax laws that favor small cars. Vehicles like the Suzuki Ignis and Kia Picanto are just some of the mini-SUVs rivals. They’re small, and cars of this size have little penetration in the US market.
Part of Casper’s attraction is the short,stubby proportions
2022 Hyundai Casper mini-SUV | Hyundai
The Casper’s overall length is 141-inches, with a 94-inch wheelbase. It is as wide as it is tall at 62-inches, which makes for cute and stubby overall proportions. That is part of the attraction of the Casper.
The underlying platform is the same as the Picanto and the Hyundai !10. Power comes from a single three-cylinder engine that comes with or without turbocharging. With the turbo, it produces 99 hp, and without it pumps out 75 hp. A five-speed manual transmission sends power to the front wheels.
For the market in India, the Casper will get a four-cylinder with 83 hp. An EV version with an integrated drive module made by BorgWarner is expected in 2023. Production is set to begin in two weeks.
What markets will Casper be sold?
2022 Hyundai Casper mini-SUV | Hyundai
Hyundai has yet to reveal too much in the way of specs, and what markets it intends to sell it to. Korea and India are the only two countries mentioned thus far. While the US is doubtful, there appears to be more interest in these tiny SUVs.
Vehicles like the Hyundai Kona, Chevy Spark, and Nissan Versa are the closest in size to Hyunda’s little SUV. Honda’s Fit also approaches it but was dropped this year due to low sales. But all of these miss the SUV-like looks of the Casper.
So that is why we think that something that looks like a small SUV rather than a small and cheap-looking sedan might sell here. The Honda Element and Nissan Cube gave it a shot, but are no longer available. The Kia Soul also comes close, but it has grown in size over the years.
But those product calls are not ours to make. We’ll have to see if the demand for the Casper is big enough for Hyundai to consider other, larger markets like the US.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Hyundai-Casper-3-1024x640-1.jpeg6401024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-09-02 17:31:312021-09-02 17:55:59Hyundai Tiny SUV Casper Revealed: But Will it Come to the US?
Robocallers have been relentless since Coronavirus sent the world into paralytic shock. Among inane bogus threats and promises, some people receive calls from companies offering extended warranties for their cars, presumably in the name of preventative maintenance. While this may warrant an angry hang-up from most unsuspecting citizens, one took matters into his own hands and fought back. Nathan Rowan decided to take drastic measures to find out where his robocalls were coming from and did the unthinkable.
Biting the extended warranty bullet
Rowan had been receiving calls on his personal phone since January 2021 from robocallers trying to sell extended warranties for his vehicle. In April, he’d had enough and decided to go undercover and bought the extended warranty. After forking over the payment, Rowan apparently found out how to reach the company and got a name. The company is called US Dealer.
What’s the deal with US Dealer?
Auto Dealership in Santa Rosa, CA | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
US Dealer has built quite a reputation for itself on Better Business Bureau, under ‘US Dealer Services’. Located in Van Nuys, California, US Dealer was accredited in 2017 and has 114 complaints lodged against it. Most of these complaints are from customers who all say the same thing. They received 5-6 calls every day and requested removal from the call list. However, to its credit, US Dealer replied to each complaint acknowledging the inconvenience and said they’d place the customers on their Do Not Call List. Rowan apparently went through the same thing but was still receiving calls. This as it turns out, is the same for multiple victims.
US Dealer faces class-action lawsuit
U.S. Supreme Courthouse | Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Nathan Rowan filed a class-action lawsuit against US Dealer for violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). In a nutshell, the TCPA prohibits automated calls to any emergency line, guest room, patient in a hospital, or any phone service that costs money to a customer. This includes cell phones, pagers, and mobile radios. It also prohibits calls to residential lines. Judging from its BBB page, US Dealer appears to be participating in illegal activity, by robocalling phones on the Do Not Call List.
US Dealer Services claims innocence
Chevrolet Dealership in Antioch, Illinois | John Gress/Corbis via Getty Images
All of this is fairly damning. US Dealer Services started accruing its hate mail on its BBB page in 2019, and duly issued a statement. It then abandoned its domain of usdealerservices.com for a .net suffix, stating it had received misdirected criticism. It also claimed some entity was masquerading as US Dealer Services, robocalling customers on a Do Not Call List pestering to purchase extended warranties. Us Dealer Services offered $5,000 for any information leading to the culprits.
What’s next for the lawsuit
If the class-action lawsuit is successful, TCPA violations can cost as much as $1,500 per call. Us Dealer Services needs proof that the fraudulent entity is participating in what was called illegal marketing practices and abrasive sales tactics. If it is innocent, then it may take a lot more work than a public statement and a $5,000 reward to rebuild its reputation.
If you desire a compact hatchback that offers practicality, versatility, and a stylish design — along with some serious kick, then you’ll be quite pleased with the Volkswagen Golf R. This powerhouse of a hatchback can deliver an exhilarating driving experience on curvy roads, while providing everyday practicality for your daily commutes. The Volkswagen Golf R has many upgrades for the 2022 model year. Does this translate to a faster speed?
2022 VW Golf R vs. 2019 Golf R: speed comparison
2022 Volkswagen Golf R | Volkswagen
The top speed of the 2022 Golf R is slightly higher than the 2019 Golf R. The 2022 Golf R can go up 155 mph, while the 2019 Golf R tops out at 153 mph. However, the top speed of the Golf R doesn’t tell the entire story, for it is electronically limited.
Also, the 2022 model benefits from a more powerful iteration of a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine. It cranks out an impressive 305 hp, which is a boost of 27 hp compared to the 2019 model. The torque is higher for the 2022 model as well, with a maximum output of 295 lb-ft, compared to 280 lb-ft for the 2019 model. The powerful engine helps the 2022 Golf R with quick acceleration, with it achieving the 0-62 mph sprint in only 4.7 seconds.
The rapid acceleration of the 2022 Golf R was on full display at the Nurburgring Nordschiefe track in Germany, with a development driver for Volkswagen completing the lap 19 seconds faster than the 2019 Golf R.
Additional performance upgrades for the 2022 VW Golf R
The 2021 Golf R has some additional performance upgrades that improve handling. It features new settings for the vehicle dynamics, with the adaptive damping system, electronic differential lock, and electronic stability control working seamlessly together for precise handling and optimum maneuverability.
The new all-wheel drive system in the 2022 Golf R provides road-gripping handling with its new rear-axle torque-vectoring feature. It has two multi-plate clutches, which enables it to channel 100% of the torque output to individual rear wheels. This is especially helpful when navigating sharp curves, for the turning circle is significantly reduced.
What else is new for the 2022 VW Golf R?
2022 Volkswagen Golf R | Volkswagen
On the design front, the 2022 Golf R is longer and more athletic than the outgoing model, with new signature LED headlights, a new hood, muscular front and rear bumpers, a quad-tipped exhaust system, a two-piece rear spoiler, body-colored side sill extensions, and new wheel designs. Available colors for the 2022 Golf R include Deep Black Pearl, Pure White, and signature Lapiz Blue Metallic.
Inside the 2021 Golf R, the cabin offers a wealth of technologies. With the new touchscreen infotainment system, drivers can customize things like driving data, car status, driving assistance features, album art, and phone information. With the head-up display, pertinent information is projected virtually in front of the driver.
2022 VW Golf R release date and pricing
Volkswagen has not yet announced an official release date for the 2022 VW Golf R, but it is expected to arrive at dealerships nationwide during the 4th quarter of 2021. Pricing for the 2022 VW Golf R is $43,645 MSRP when equipped with the manual transmission and $44,445 MSP with the direct-shift gearbox.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2022-Volkswagen-Golf-R-Front-1024x683-1.jpg6831024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-09-02 17:00:002021-09-02 17:27:20Is the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Faster Than the 2019 Golf R?
Vermont’s Governor Phil Scott is a race car driver. He goes against the grain, often racing in events the state’s governor traditionally watches. When faced with the COVID pandemic, Governor Scott leveraged his quick reflexes and network of fans to protect the sport–and the state–that he loves.
Governor Phil Scott Is A Race Car Driver With A Competitive Spirit
Governor Phil Scott speaking at the NASCAR Hall of Fame | Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Phil Scott grew up watching the stock cars race at the Thunder Road Speedbowl in his hometown–Barre, Vermont. But he began his racing career on snowmobiles. After graduating from the University of Vermont, he opened a snowmobile repair shop in Morrisville, Vermont. He spent weekends traveling around the United States and Canada to compete in races throughout the 1980s. He piloted his #14 sled around icy tracks at over 100 mph, even competing against Formula One veterans.
After a few brutal crashes and some broken bones, Governor Phil Scott became a race car driver. He built up a Chevrolet Impala SS and competed as often as possible at Thunder Road. It is a quarter-mile paved track; the Late Model Stock class (LMS) often reaches 80 mph, completing each lap in 13 seconds. Scott recalls “a steep learning curve” throughout the 1990s.
Mildly surprised, jealous, and impressed to learn that the Governor of Vermont, Phil Scott, is a three-time champion stock car racer. Huh. #TILpic.twitter.com/3hDoYhxBRz
Driven by his competitive spirit, Scott improved. In his thirties, he was older than many other racers; Scott took up road biking and weightlifting to gain an edge in the grueling sport. In 1996, at the age of 38, he won his first LMS race. The same year he went on to win the championship. Then he repeated this feat in 1998 and then again in 2002.
Scott also travels to race; in 2002, he won both the American Canadian Tour championship and the Airborne Park championship in Plattsburgh, New York. With 31 career victories, Scott is the third-winningest driver in the history of Thunder Road’s LMS division.
Breaking Tradition: The 42nd Annual Vermont Governor’s Cup
Phil Scott in his #14 Chevrolet | David Allio/Icon SMI/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
For 41 years, the governor of Vermont has hosted Thunder Road’s midseason championship: The Governor’s Cup. As tradition goes, the governor travels from the capital in Vermont to the Thunder Road Speedbowl in nearby Barre. They make a speech, shake some hands, watch the race, and then present the trophy to the winning driver. But for Governor Phil Scott, the race is a homecoming.
On July 15th, 2021, Governor Scott arrived at the Speedbowl to host the annual race. But he had no intention of watching from the stands. Instead, he warmed up his #14 Chevrolet stock car and joined the other drivers on the track. The announcer introduced the familiar Phil Scott as the only driver, “who is guaranteed a place on the podium no matter what.” The crowd roared. Then the flag fell, and the race began.
Governor Scott likens the g-force of short-track racing to “driving around on the street with a 25-pound weight strapped to your head.” He adds, “you are simultaneously trying to use the throttle and brake while staying in your seat and keep your legs from being thrown to the right. All the while, every muscle is tensed up due to adrenaline and competitiveness.”
The Vermont Governor’s Cup is one of the longest races of the Thunder Road Speedbowl season: 150 laps. Governor Scott completed every lap, bumping and fighting for position with drivers half his age. The race leaders lapped his #14 car, but Governor Scott never gave up his position at the head of the second pack. Governor Scott finished in 18th place.
After the race, the cars all retired to the pits. The top-place drivers climbed the podium. Governor Phil Scott’s security team drove him from the pits, back onto the track aboard a golf cart. The crowd laughed as the State Troopers did their best to keep the Governor safe during the least dangerous part of his night. He handed the trophy over to the driver who had beat him, with a smile. It was two weeks before Governor Scott’s 63rd birthday.
Fast Where It Counts: A Record-Winning Vaccination Rate
Governor Phil Scott at the White House | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
While Governor Scott raced in the Governor’s Cup, a mobile medical station glowed in the parking lot. Vermont motorsports enthusiasts lined up outside the black trailer, waiting their turn to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
When President Biden challenged Americans to strive for a 70% vaccination rate by the 4th of July, he woke Governor Scott’s competitive nature. As a result, Governor Scott called up his National Guard and opened up the state’s fairgrounds for “Vaccine Fairs.” He deployed mobile vaccination clinics to bring the vaccine to citizens of rural Vermont. He even leaned on his connections to offer vaccines at motorsports events.
Governor Phil Scott at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds | DON EMMERT/AFP via Getty Images
One month before the Governor’s Cup, Scott announced that Vermont was the first state to cross the 80% finish line–vaccinating 81.8% of eligible citizens. He ended his State of Emergency and restrictions on gatherings.
In 2020, most race fans had to watch the 41st Vermont Governor’s Cup online–like many motorsport events. But in 2021, motorsports enthusiasts were again allowed to fill the stadium at the Thunder Road Speedbowl. At the end of the night, Governor Scott may not have won the race, but hosting a regular Governor’s Cup once again is a victory of which he can be proud.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/GettyImages-907294338-1024x702-1.jpg7021024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-09-02 16:34:252021-09-02 16:56:00America’s Fastest Governor: Vermont’s Phil Scott Is A Race Car Driver And Set A COVID Vaccination Record
