Carvana Dealer License Suspended Until 2022 at One North Carolina Location

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Online vehicle retailers like Carvana claim to eliminate the hassles of buying through a traditional dealership. Ironically, one location in North Carolina just had its dealer license suspended, based on the trouble it caused for at least one customer. What’s more, another Carvana site nearby has been put on probation by the NC DMV.

The Raleigh dealership cannot sell cars until January 2022

Carvana’s vending machine offers a novel pick-up option for cars purchased on their website | Mark Ralston via Getty Images

An investigation by the North Carolina DMV revealed several violations at the Carvana location in Raleigh. According to a court document published by CBS 17, it sold a vehicle to a customer without the required state inspection. The dealer also neglected to send title paperwork to the DMV in a timely fashion. And on top of that, it issued an out-of-state temporary tag for a car sold to a North Carolina resident.

To address those infractions, the NC DMV has suspended Carvana Raleigh’s dealer license. They will not be able to sell or deliver vehicles from that location until January 29, 2022. According to an agreement with the DMV, the location is still permitted to process paperwork for its other three sites in North Carolina.

Carvana Charlotte is on probation

An eight story car vending machine, operated by the online used car dealer Carvana
An eight-story car vending machine, operated by the online used car dealer Carvana | Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images

According to CBS 17, Carvana’s location in Charlotte has been on probation with the NC DMV since Nov. 2020. The agency’s License and Theft Bureau reported issues with 30-day tags as well as insurance verification at the Mecklenburg county site. During the probation period that lasts until Nov. 2022, the dealer can operate normally but any infraction would result in a hearing.

“We’re pleased that we were able to reach a solution with the North Carolina DMV,” said Amy O’Hara of Carvana in a statement, per The Wall Street Journal. “We’re proud of the tens of thousands of North Carolina residents we’ve served since 2014 and are excited to continue delivering exceptional customer experiences there for many years to come.”

Online car buying hit a boom during the pandemic

Carvana logo displayed on a smartphone
Carvana | Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

With social distancing measures in place, Carvana’s sales jumped 37% in 2020 over 2019, according to The Wall Street Journal. Its Q2 earnings in 2021 showed a net income of $45 million, marking its first profitable quarter. Demand and pricing for used cars have been surging, partly due to the semiconductor chip shortage. While that should normalize eventually, general consumer preference for e-commerce is definitely shifting in Carvana’s favor.

Regardless of where a car is purchased or how, buyers rightly expect the paperwork to be handled properly and promptly. Dealers have a responsibility to do so, and their conduct is regulated by state authorities. As Carvana’s recent experience in North Carolina shows, consequences can be painful when they don’t follow through.

RELATED: What Do You Need to Sell Your Car to Carvana or Vroom?

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Chicago’s International Motorcycle Show Rides Outdoors in 2021

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Chicago Auto Show got a 2021 revamp to try and keep things safer in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But car shows aren’t the only motoring events undergoing evolution this year—motorcycle shows are, too. More specifically, the Progressive International Motorcycle Show, which is headed to several US cities this year, including Chicago. And just like CAS, IMS 2021 is doing things differently than in years past.

The Progressive International Motorcycle Show heads outside for 2021 in Chicago and elsewhere

A custom chopper displayed at the 2019 New York Progressive International Motorcycle Show | Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Over the past 40 years, the Progressive International Motorcycle Show was always held indoors as it toured across the US. However, about five years ago, the showrunners started working on restructuring and expanding the show’s scope, RevZilla reports. And with the COVID-19 pandemic making enclosed, tightly-packed spaces nonviable, these efforts kicked into high gear.

So, for its 40th running, the show tour gets a new schedule and a new name: IMS Outdoors. Instead of touring in the fall and winter, IMS Outdoors runs from July to November 2021. And the International Motorcycle Show’s next stop is in Chicago. Or rather, Goebbert’s Farm in Pingree Grove, IL, about 30 miles outside of Chicago.

Moving the International Motorcycle Show to the outskirts of Chicago isn’t only due to coronavirus concerns, though. The pandemic has spurred off-road vehicle sales—not just motorcycles, but also ATVs and side-by-sides. It’s also driven the growth of RVing and overlanding which are based around going outdoors. Holding a powersports event like IMS outside, therefore, allows the show to show off all of these activities and lifestyles at once.

But there’s one more reason it makes for IMS Chicago, as well as IMS Pennsylvania, Austin, and all the rest to head outdoors. And that’s related to one of the show’s main attractions.

What can you see and do at IMS 2021 in Chicago?

As before, IMS Chicago 2021 features a wide selection of new and classic motorcycles from a variety of brands. The custom bike show also returns, and again, show attendees can vote for their favorite build. Motorcycle gear companies will also be on-site to inspect your current riding gear. And if you need a new helmet or motorcycle jacket, or are buying them for the first time, you can do so, too.

However, show attendees won’t just be able to look at and sit on some new bikes. As in years past, the 2021 International Motorcycle Show’s Chicago stop features ‘Discover The Ride,’ where unlicensed riders can take an electric Zero bike for a spin. You’ll need long pants and closed-toe shoes, but the event provides a jacket, helmet, and gloves. And because the 2021 event is outdoors, IMS is expanding this program to ‘Ride With Us,’ which has MSF instructors teach non-riders about throttle, braking, and shifting.

Plus, licensed attendees can enjoy street demo rides of various new motorcycles. Among other bikes, Harley-Davidson’s showing off the LiveWire lineup and the Pan America, for example. Triumph is bringing along its updated 2022 lineup. And if you want to ride some of Honda’s newest motorcycles, Chicago is your only chance.

Motorcycles, though, aren’t the only things you can experience at IMS Chicago 2021. Because of its outdoor focus, the show also has side-by-side and e-bike demo rides. That includes Harley-Davidson’s new e-bike models, as well as ones from brands like Giant and Yamaha. And once you’re done riding or buying gear, the Chicago stop of the International Motorcycle Show also features food, drinks, and live music.

When does the bike show start and end?

Chicago is the 2021 Progressive International Motorcycle Show’s second stop after Sonoma, CA. The next stop was supposed to be NYC, but concern over the Delta variant meant it was canceled, RideApart says. Instead, the next stop will be in Carlisle, PA.

If you’re in the Chicagoland area, the 2021 IMS Outdoors show runs from August 20-22, 2021, at Goebbert’s Farm in Pingree Grove, IL. It’s open on the 20th from 1-7 pm, the 21st from 9 am – 7 pm, and the 22nd from 9 am – 5 pm. Tickets are $25, though kids under 12 get in free.

MotorBiscuit will be at the show, so watch this space for future updates for IMS-related news. And hopefully, we’ll see you there.

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RELATED: Riders Share Wants Motorcycle Rentals To Bring in New Riders

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Here’s Your Chance to Buy a B-17 Flying Fortress

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As desirable and rare as a B-17 Flying Fortress WWII bomber is, it’s amazing that they occasionally pop up for sale. Especially in 2021. From the late Paul Allen collection comes this B-17E project which you can buy. But the asking price will knock you back on your heels. 

With less than 50 left in the world this B-17 is rare

B-17 Flying Fortress | 12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

An estimated 46 intact B-17s are left in the world. Only a dozen are airworthy. When you consider that there were over 12,000 produced, sometimes you wonder if there are a few more tucked away somewhere? But rather than waiting to discover one, it might be best to buy this one.

The asking price is $9 million, in case you were thinking about it. And this is a project; you’ll have to complete the restoration. Platinum Fighter Sales, the broker listing the B-17, says the frame is about 80-percent restored. Only the nose and cockpit await restoration. 

This B-17 is all there, but you’ll need to finish it

B-17 Flying Fortress engines
B-17 Flying Fortress | PFS

Included is everything you’ll need to finish things up. There are four turbocharged nine-cylinder 29.3-liter Wright radial engines. These produced over 12,000 hp. They also consumed almost a gallon of fuel per mile. 

Fuel capacity was 1,700 gallons, which could be increased to 3,630 gallons with “Tokyo tanks” added inside of the wings. However, that still wasn’t enough fuel to hit Japan from any US military base. Four correct Hamilton Standard three-bladed propellers are also included, with a span of almost 12-feet. The B-17s maximum speed was 300 mph at 30,000 feet. 

Partly the reason for the B-17s survival is that it didn’t see combat

B-17 Flying Fortress with crew
The crew of the Hell’s Angels Flying Fortress bomber looks on as Master Sergeant Folmer paints another bomb motif on the aircraft’s nose following its return from a successful raid | © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Boeing was producing as many as 16 B-17s a day in 1944. This B-17 has survived partly because it didn’t see combat. It was used for experiments with emerging technologies during World War II. Once the war was over it was given to the University of Minnesota. It remained there on display in flying condition until 1952.

That is when it was traded for a Cessna 170. Even then it was a lopsided transaction favoring the B-17 recipient. The new owner used it for aerial mapping surveys in and around Canada. From there it was sold to a Bolivian freight and passenger service company. 

This has been an ongoing project since 1998

B-17 Flying Fortress fuselage
B-17 Flying Fortress | PFS

It stayed in Bolivia until 1990 when it made its way back to the US. In 1998 it was carted off to Vintage Airframes in Caldwell, Idaho, who performed all of the restoration work to this point. It has been an on-again, off-again project since then.  

No one can estimate how much more funds it will take to finish. Plan on at least a few million dollars more. If you can afford to cough up $9 million for a project, you’ve surely got what it takes to finish it up.

RELATED: Meet the World’s 1st Flying Car to Get FAA Clearance for Takeoff

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The 2022 Infiniti QX80 Didn’t Stop When the NYIAS Was Canceled

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We’re still bummed about the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) getting canceled. A majority of automakers such as Infiniti, Subaru, Jeep, and more were going to reveal tons of new SUVs. However, the cancelation didn’t stop the 2022 Infiniti QX80 from dropping because it’s too hot to ignore. 

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 brings the heat 

2022 Infiniti QX80 | Infiniti

The New York International Auto Show was gearing up for days packed with excellent new SUV releases, including the 2022 Infiniti QX80. But unfortunately, the show was canceled due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and growing Delta variant concerns. 

Some options, such as the 2022 Subaru Wilderness Edition, decided to postpone their debuts. But the new Infiniti QX80 stayed on track. It was revealed in front of the one-of-a-kind public art installation by Daniel Wurtzel. 

It made an incredible entrance at the New York Occulus Transportation hub with a sleek modern exterior and sleek, serene interior that provides plenty of space. 

Infiniti Americas Group Vice President Jeff Pope shared that the new Infiniti QX80 represents the new direction Infiniti is moving toward. The SUV lineup is stronger, more advanced, and more intuitive than ever. 

How much power does the 2022 QX80 have? 

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 at the New York Occulus Transportation hub
The 2022 Infiniti QX80 at the New York Occulus Transportation hub | Infiniti

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine that generates 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 8,500 lbs. This is an impressive amount of power that’s perfect for towing larger campers, boats, and more. 

Rear-wheel drive is standard, but you can opt for the Intelligent all-wheel drive system. It includes All-Mode Four-Wheel-drive to provide enhanced capability in inclement weather and other challenging situations. 

With the 5.6-liter engine, the QX80 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. Its power has a fast and smooth delivery with a snappy throttle response but can be hesitant to downshift. The ride is incredibly smooth, and the cab is luxuriously quiet. 

How’s the Infiniti QX80’s new interior? 

2022 Infiniti QX80 interior
2022 Infiniti QX80 interior | Infiniti

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 has a brand new interior that’s stealing the spotlight. The high-quality materials and leather seats in all three rows provide space and comfort for the entire family. You can opt for captain’s chairs in the second row. 

A massive 12.3-inch screen has replaced the older, outdated tech. It functions as a touchscreen and can be controlled with a controller knob on the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. 

In the center stack, you’ll find new climate controls and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Enhanced ProPILOT assist with Navi-link, and stylish 20-inch wheels are included with most trim levels. 

You can access up to 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and 49.6 cubic feet if the third-row seats are folded. There is up to 95.1 cubic feet total, making it one of the most spacious luxury options. 

Pricing for the new Infiniti QX80 hasn’t been revealed. But it may have a slightly higher starting price than the 2021’s MSRP of $69,150. It may cross the $70,000 mark, but the upgrades are more than worth it.

RELATED: Is the 2021 Infiniti QX80 $20000 Safer Than the 2021 Nissan Armada?

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