All-Electric Silverado: Chevrolet Silverado Electric Pickup Details Leaked

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The electric pickup truck game is in full swing. Chevrolet has decided to join in the electric vehicle revolution by releasing the All-Electric Silverado. While information about the Chevrolet All-Electric Silverado is limited right now, a new video released by the company offers a sneak peek into a new feature.

What has Chevrolet said about the All-Electric Silverado?

Chevrolet released a video with some information that answered a few questions about the All-Electric Silverado. It was designed from the ground up to drive circles around the competition, Chevrolet said. It emphasized that there are tight circles due to the four-wheel steering turn radius.

This is also called Four-Wheel Steer and enables all four of the truck’s wheels to turn. This allows the vehicle to have more agility and a smaller turn radius, as seen in the video. Mercedes-Benz recently announced that rear-wheel steering would be available for rent on the new 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS. Perhaps this will be a higher-level trim option.

The All-Electric Silverado will be Ultium batteries, the new EV battery by GM. Chevrolet’s first electric truck will be the first electric truck but won’t be the brand’s first foray into electric vehicles.

What the All-Electric Silverado means for other Chevrolet SUVs

Chevrolet reported building the Electric Silverado in the same factory as the new GMC Hummer EV SUV and truck in Michigan. This factory was renamed last year to be called Factory Zero. Factory Zero will focus on electric vehicles and sustainable manufacturing processes, so it makes sense Chevrolet would make the All-Electric Silverado there.

Without a doubt as GM starts to roll out things like the GMC Hummer EV and the All-Electric Silverado, other large vehicles are not far behind. Hopefully, that means an electric Chevrolet Tahoe and Yukon might be in the works. Even a Cadillac Escalade EV would make sense. Chevrolet expects the All-Electric Silverado to get 400 miles of range, making sense for a large SUV.

Unfortunately, the market won’t be selling the Silverado EV anytime soon. It is supposedly on the slate for 2023. However, production is taking a lot longer than usual these days.

What is GM’s new Ultium Platform?

All-Electric Silverado: Chevrolet Silverado Electric Pickup | Uli Deck/picture alliance via Getty Images

Given that GM has been selling the new Ultium Platform idea for a while now, this makes sense. GM committed to getting drivers into electric vehicles sooner than later. The Ultium battery will charge quickly, run for extended miles, and fit all cars offered.

“With a modular, flexible design and a common cell across different vehicle types, the battery is the heart of the Ultium system. The system uses cells stacked vertically (pickups and SUVs) or horizontally (performance vehicles), allowing us to build electric vehicles for every customer and segment.”

Ultium System | GM

GM is aiming to offer 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2025, which is rapidly approaching. The Ultium Platform includes a modular battery and drive unit. As a result, the battery is flexible enough to fit trucks, SUVs, cars, and some commercial vehicles. It will also offer a wireless charging network.

While details are still scarce about the All-Electric Silverado, it sounds like Chevrolet is about to release more information in the coming days. In conclusion, keep your eyes peeled for hints from Chevrolet.

RELATED: GMC Hummer EV vs. Tesla Model X: Off-Roading Machines?

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The Tiny but Mighty 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Surpasses Expectations

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Mazda CX-30 Turbo is one tiny SUV that I wish I could keep. But I have to give the 2021 Mazda CX-30 back. I could get a tub of ice cream and fire up Netflix to manage my heartbreak of missing this turbo, but instead, I’ll share what I really enjoyed. 

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Review: Tons of fun 

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo | Allison Barfield

I’ve been spending the week with the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus. The base model starts at around $22,050, but the Premium Plus increases the price to about $34,050. It includes leather everything, a heated steering wheel, cargo cover, head-up display, and keyless entry. 

But the most exciting part is its increased power. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder option with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. But the Turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder generates 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. 

It’s tons of fun to accelerate with. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds, making it the fastest vehicle in its class. I loved going on the Blue Ridge Parkway to zoom zoom on mountain curves, especially with the way this little beast corners.

The paddle shifters on the steering wheel allow the CX-30 to be operated as a manual, which ups the excitement. It puts you into first gear pretty quickly, and the second gear can reach 60 mph. There isn’t noticeable body roll around curves, and the steering is very responsive. The CX-30 feels stable, sporty, and confident. 

The CX-30 is comfortable 

You don’t have to race around in 2021 Mazda CX-30 to enjoy it. It’s very relaxing to use for errands around town. It has a very smooth ride and a luxury-quiet interior. You don’t have to raise your voice to carry a conversation with passengers. 

The CX-30 is very agile and easy to navigate in tight city areas. It’s so easy to park and parallel park. Some critics point out the small windows and large pillars as a con because they create blind spots. However, the forward-facing camera and large side mirror create tons of visibility. 

The leather bucket seats are well-padded and supportive for long drives. The dual-zone climate control is very effective at quickly cooling you off on hot summer days. There are vents in the backseat too. 

I could fit in the backseat just fine. I’m 5’1” and had plenty of knee space. The rear seats are well-padded, but they have an upright angle that may become annoying on car trips. I wish they reclined. 

The Mazda CX-30 is capable and safe

2021 Mazda CX-30 Premium Plus interior
2021 Mazda CX-30 Premium Plus interior | Mazda

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 isn’t built like an off-roader, but I still needed to see how it handled off the pavement. It has an 8.0-inch ground clearance which is a little shorter than rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek, which has an 8.7-inch ground clearance. But the i-ACTIV all-wheel drive system is very impressive. 

On steep and slippery gravel roads, you could feel the difference when the Mazda CX-30 Turbo was in off-roading mode or not. It stiffened the suspension and added more traction and control in the blink of an eye. 

Plus, the CX-30 is an Insurance Institue Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award winner. It received a rating of Good in every single IIHS safety test. The Mazda CX-30 is incredibly dependable. It may be a little small. My dog, Bruce, took up over half the back seat. But it serves as a fun and capable option for daily driving. It can even handle snow and other challenging situations with confidence.

RELATED: Which 2021 Mazda CX-30 Trim Is Best for You?

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1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Sold for $1,430,356 on Bring a Trailer

by Gabrielle DeSantis

This 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is a pretty incredible find as far as classic cars go. This Bring a Trailer listing out of LA fetched a ridiculous $1,430,356 during a recent auction. What made this 300SL Roadster so special? A lot of things, actually.

A prime example of a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Sold for $1,430,356 on Bring a Trailer | Bring a Trailer

Buyers on Bring a Trailer don’t mess around, but this was one impressive auction. You can view the complete listing for the 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster on the Bring a Trailer website. A U.S. serviceman originally purchased this 300SL Roadster in Germany. It was imported to the U.S. sometime after that and lived in New Jersey until 1972.

The Papyrus White Mercedes-Benz came with a green soft top and a green leather interior. It offers a 3.0L inline-six engine and only 58,000 miles on the odometer. This Mercedes-Benz has only had three owners and comes with the original records from 1972 until now. It also has some custom Karl Baisch luggage because every 1960s Roadster needs its own luggage. It also comes with an AM/FM radio and a lap belt to keep the new owner safe.

This 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster was one of less than 1,900 examples

1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL on Bring a Trailer
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Sold for $1,430,356 on Bring a Trailer | Bring a Trailer

Mercedes-Benz only made about 1,858 units of the 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster before the brand replaced it in 1963. The 300SL had new headlights, fenders, and a smaller grille than the Gullwing coupe that came before it. In 1986, the owner repainted it in the same Papyrus White color. The owner installed a new green soft top in 2016. The seller included another grey top in the sale, plus a full-size spare wheel.

There were many other accessories included, like hubcaps, wheel hubs, brakes, and various tools. The bids made impressive jumps throughout the auction on Bring a Trailer, but the ultimate winner paid quite a bit for this Mercedes-Benz. The winner of the auction, Falky, won this 1961 300SL for $1,430,356 back in July.

A record setting sale for the classic car

So far, that is the most expensive 300SL that has sold on the platform. A 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing sold on Bring a Trailer back in 2020 for $1,400,000. Another 1956 300SL Gullwing sold for $1,234,567 in 2019, and a 1957 Gullwing sold for $1,152,000 about a year ago.

It seems that the Mercedes-Benz 300SL is one of the more sought-after vehicles from that time. Given the price these classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles are selling for is proof of the popularity. Since 2015, only seven variations of the 300SL have appeared on Bring a Trailer. The cheapest option (a 1961 300SL) was sold back in August of 2015 for $897,000. It seems that was the dip before the price started to increase drastically. By the time the next 1956 300SL sold in 2018, it was up to $1,100,000. Even a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Tool Kit went for $12,500 back in July.

This 60-year-old Mercedes-Benz is still just as popular as ever, and the $1,430,356 sales price is proof. If you have one of these 300SL Mercedes in the driveway, you could probably sell it and buy a new house with the proceeds. Not a bad investment 60 years later.

RELATED: Would You Rent Mercedes-Benz Rear-Wheel Steering Option?

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Avoid the 2011 Chevy Suburban if You Want Low Maintenance Costs

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Although some used cars are seeing price hikes, pre-owned cars are generally a cheaper alternative to new models. Some big SUVs, such as the Chevy Suburban, only suffer from minimal power loss over the years. Still, the Suburban typically isn’t regarded as highly reliable.

According to Consumer Reports, this full-size SUV is one of the most expensive vehicles to maintain. Owners reported paying an average of $900 yearly for repairs, nearly twice that of other SUVs. The 2011 Chevy Suburban‘s purchase price may be affordable, but is it worth the hassle?

Trouble spots in the 2011 Chevy Suburban

2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ | Chevrolet

Owners told Consumer Reports that the 2011 Chevy Suburban is prone to major engine problems. One driver reported that oil started leaking at around 50,000 miles, an issue present in the 2009 Chevy Suburban too. Models from this generation sometimes developed excessive oil consumption with no sign of leakage. A few drivers even reported their car’s engine died in the middle of a drive.

The 2011 Suburban also has unreliable brakes. Dealers confirmed for one driver that the passenger brake went out prematurely, as did the master cylinder. The calipers are also prone to seizing up and causing severe damage to other components.

Problems have also been reported with major drivetrain components like the accelerator pedal. The transfer case might die early in the Suburban’s lifespan, around 72,000 miles. Multiple drivers also reported that the headlights and daytime running lights frequently needed replacing.

In addition to needing multiple repairs, some problems are difficult to fix in the first place. One driver said that when the car’s spark plugs died, they were hard to access for removal and replacement.

Even the outside seems to be sloppily constructed, with multiple drivers reporting peeling paint and exterior moldings. One driver even reported that all four of the door handles fell off because of faulty hardware. Another said the tailgate randomly refused to open, sometimes exacerbated by cold weather.

2011 Chevy Suburban complaints from Consumer Reports

As you might expect from such a large vehicle, the 2011 Chevy Suburban isn’t easy to handle. During CR’s avoidance maneuver test, the SUV quickly avoided obstacles but not as gracefully as rivals. But fortunately, the steering wheel isn’t too heavy; however, CR would’ve appreciated a little more feedback from it.

The 2011 Suburban’s 320-hp V8 powers the SUV nicely, though it needs some time to accelerate from a stop. However, CR found it slows down quite a bit when towing a trailer. The fuel economy is also disappointing at 14 mpg combined city/highway.

Plus, the driver’s seat is awkwardly positioned, with no footrest and a rigid steering wheel that lacks telescoping. The roof pillars in the back greatly hinder visibility, especially with big headrest cushions on the passenger seats. Some drivers might benefit from the optional rearview camera available on some models. However, it’s a relatively rare feature that takes 10 seconds to boot up.

What does CR like about the 2011 model?

Though the 2011 Chevy Suburban suffers from dull handling, the ride is surprisingly agreeable. No harsh jolts permeate the interior, and noise levels are pleasantly low. CR also appreciated the roominess and impressive towing capacity.

This 2011 Suburban is considerably cheaper than the 2021 model, which starts at $52,300. Consumer Reports says shoppers can find a fully loaded 2011 Suburban for as little as $22,000. 

However, the 2011 model also has a much lower customer satisfaction rating, probably due to frequent repairs. So if you’re looking for a large SUV, check out the Chevy Tahoe instead, one of the least expensive SUVs to maintain.

RELATED: The 2021 Chevy Suburban Can Actually Seat 9 Passengers

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