Report: Jeep Doing Baby Renegade Version of Suzuki Jimny

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The head of the Jeep brand Christian Meunier confirmed rumors that a small Jeep slotted below the Renegade, would debut before 2025. And it will be an all-electric baby SUV. This confirms MotorBiscuit posts about interest in the US for the Suzuki Jimny. Suzuki no longer imports its products into the US.

Jeep is “looking at every segment possible”

Suzuki Jimny | Suzuki

Mark Allen, Jeep exterior design boss, added, “We’re looking at every segment possible,” in reference to electric Jeeps. So US enthusiasts that are enamored by the Jimny may get their own version courtesy of Jeep.

It was also revealed that Jeep may actually do an electric version slotted around the range-topping Wagoneer. “Renegade is a B-segment, so obviously there’s room below that and that’s something we’re looking at,” said Allen to autoexpress. “But we’re probably not looking at something larger than Wagoneer – it’s a beast!”

But about the proliferation of new Jeep models, Allen said, “There’s been tremendous growth to the brand in a short amount of time.” That is true, but the auto industry is going through a tremendous change as EV production ramps up. It is expected that all Jeeps will be electric at some point soon in the future.

The CMP EV platform could underpin a baby Renegade

An Electric Jeep teaser that could be the Renegade 4xe
Electric Jeep teaser | Stellantis

Stellantis’ current EV platform is called CMP. It underpins models like the Peugeot e-208, e-2008, and Vauxhall Corsa e. This could be used as the platform for an electric baby Jeep, but it is doubtful it could accommodate four-wheel drive. 

In the immediate future, Stellantis will debut its STLA small EV platform, though speculation is that it won’t come out until 2025. This platform is more adaptable to four-wheel-drive. It has an estimated range of 300 miles. 

Going into this segment is a first for Jeep

2021 Jeep Gladiator vs. Chevrolet Colorado
2021 Jeep Gladiator vs. Chevrolet Colorado | Jeep

Creating a new range of Jeep targeted below the Renegade is a first for Jeep. There is an unexpected enthusiast interest in the Jimny. A version of it was marketed by Suzuki in the US a couple of decades ago. Back then small vehicles were not popular, and that includes baby SUVs.

But in these times of electrification and squeezing through off-road paths with something smaller, it makes more sense. And Jeep has even hinted that it is experimenting with hydrogen power. So the future of Jeep may look relatively different by the mid-point in this decade.

RELATED: Why is the Suzuki Jimny Banned in the U.S?

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2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S vs. Forty-Eight: Specs and Tech Showdown

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For now, the new Harley-Davidson Sportster S is ‘just’ an addition to the Sportster line. However, even before riding it through Los Angeles’s streets and canyons, this motorcycle seemed to be something more. And the ride only confirmed that suspicion. But how different is the 2021 Sportster S from the rest of the lineup? To answer that, we have to compare it to its closest showroom sibling: the Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight.

What’s the difference between the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S and Forty-Eight?

2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S riding side 3/4 | Harley-Davidson

On a very basic level, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S and Forty-Eight follow the same formula: V-twin engine, belt drive, fat tires. But once you add the details, they become significantly different.

Spec 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S 2021 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight
Engine Liquid-cooled ‘Revolution Max 1250T’ 1252cc V-twin Air-cooled ‘Evolution’ 1202cc V-twin
Power 121 hp 66 hp (based on Cycle World‘s dyno testing)
Torque 94 lb-ft 73 lb-ft
Transmission Six-speed manual with a slip-assist clutch Five-speed manual
Curb weight 502 lb 556 lb
Seat height 29.6″ 28″
Fuel tank capacity 3.1 gallons 2.1 gallons
Front suspension travel 3.6″ 3.6″
Rear suspension travel 2″ 1.6″

These specs only tell part of the story, though. Firstly, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S’s engine is a stressed member of the frame. That’s part of the reason why it’s lighter and stiffer than the Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight. Plus, while the Evolution engine makes peak torque at lower RPMs, it can’t rev nearly as high as the Revolution Max 1250T. On the other hand, the 1250T’s design means it lacks the traditional ‘potato’ Harley exhaust note. Both engines, though, have maintenance-free hydraulic valve lifters.

Moving beyond the engine, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S can lean more than the Forty-Eight before its pegs start scraping the pavement. And while it could benefit from more travel, the Sportster S does have fully-adjustable Showa suspension. Meanwhile, the Forty-Eight only offers preload adjustment on its rear shocks.

All of these differences add up to contrasting riding experiences. While the Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight is by no means a bad bike, it has less “overall performance” than the Sportster S, Cycle World says. The Forty-Eight is a stylish cruiser, plain and simple, while the Sportster S is, well, sportier.

What kind of tech does the Sportster S have that the Forty-Eight lacks?

A rider rides a maroon 2021 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight on a tree-lined road
2021 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight side 3/4 | Harley-Davidson

In addition to a different attitude and powertrain, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S also has a different level of tech than the Forty-Eight. Namely, it has more of it.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster lineup has offered ABS since 2014. However, it’s optional, even on the Forty-Eight. At least, it’s optional on all bikes except for the 2021 Sportster S. But the Sportster S doesn’t just have ABS, but rather cornering ABS, which takes lean angle into account. And while both bikes only have single front and rear discs, the Sportster S’s brakes are Brembos.

In addition, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S has standard traction control, rear-wheel-slip control, cruise control, and engine-braking control. Plus, multiple riding modes, LED lighting, a USB-C outlet, and a Bluetooth-equipped TFT display. The Forty-Eight, meanwhile, only has LED indicators and lacks both a tachometer and a fuel gauge. Also, the Sportster S’s clutch and brake levers are adjustable.

How much do the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S and Forty-Eight cost?

The side view of a maroon 2021 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight
2021 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight side | Harley-Davidson

On the plus side, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight does offer more accessories than the Sportster S. At least for the time being. And it’s noticeably cheaper than the S. The Forty-Eight starts at $11,549; meanwhile, the Sportster S starts at $14,999.

However, that price difference shrinks when you try to equip the Forty-Eight to the Sportster S’s level. ABS alone adds $795, for example. And trying to boost the Forty-Eight’s performance with a Screamin’ Eagle Stage IV kit costs $2160. Plus, it ‘only’ adds 52% more horsepower, Motorcyclist notes, not enough to close the horsepower gap.

So, yes, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S is more expensive than the Forty-Eight. But add up all the extra features and it becomes kind of a bargain. One that, in many ways, leaves the air-cooled Sportster behind.

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RELATED: You Can Cross the Sahara on a Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster

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Consumer Reports Says These Toyota and Tesla Models Have Similar Problems

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Although Toyota does have quite a few hybrid options in its lineup, it’s not exactly in direct competition with EV manufacturer Tesla. Toyota has made big promises in terms of electrifying its lineup. Plus, there are certainly buyers deciding between a Tesla Model 3 and a Toyota Prius or a Model Y and Sienna minivan. Still, the comparisons aren’t really apples to apples and some models had problems in Consumer Reports testing.

Toyota Motor Corporation logo | Thiago Prudencio/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

That said, Consumer Reports does have some interesting data to share. There are some issues that both the Tesla Model 3 and the new Toyota Sienna (which comes only as a hybrid) have in common. Each model showed braking issues during Consumer Reports testing. One model was too touchy, while the other took a questionably long distance to come to a complete stop. 

The 2021 Toyota Sienna is obviously in its first model year after a redesign

A white 2021 Toyota Sienna driving in the city
2021 Toyota Sienna | Toyota

According to Consumer Reports, the all-new Toyota Sienna has some “early build teething issues.” That means it’s a baby, fresh off a redesign and it’s still figuring itself out a little bit. Sometimes, models in their first year of a new generation receive lower marks for reliability because it’s necessary for a model to “work out the kinks” and come into its own. 

When Consumer Reports tested the 2021 Toyota Sienna, there were some problems with this hybrid minivan’s braking. In the reports, it’s said that Consumer Reports “found much to like about Toyota’s all-new hybrid minivan.” While the van has a smooth and accommodating ride quality, roomy and “extremely functional” cabin, CR had issues with the feel from the brake-pedal. 

The test proved the brakes on the Toyota Sienna to be very touchy. In fact, CR used the term “grabby.” These overly sensitive hybrid brakes on the 2021 Sienna make it difficult for drivers to slow or stop smoothly. In the words of Consumer Reports, the brakes “made coming to a smooth stop nearly impossible.” While overall the new Sienna is appealing, it might prove worth it to wait until some of the “teething issues” have been addressed in upcoming model years.  

The Tesla Model 3 had braking problems too 

A white Tesla highlighted with a spotlight with black floors and walls.
Tesla Model 3 | Tesla

In Consumer Reports testing of the (at-the-time) all-new 2018 Tesla Model 3 had overly long stopping distances. In addition, CR testing found these stopping distances to be largely inconsistent. The 2018 Tesla Model 3 EV took 152 feet to stop from 60 mph, on average. 

Consumer Reports says this is 7 feet longer than the Ford F-150 and 25 feet longer than a Tesla Model X SUV performed in this particular test. Consumer Reports notified Tesla of the braking problems. At that point, the EV manufacturer issued an “over-the-air” anti-lock braking system (ABS) software update for the Tesla Model 3. Following this software update, the stopping distance improved by 20 feet. 

Consumer Reports also reached out to Toyota about the “grabby” Sienna brakes

Virtually the entire CR testing team agreed that the Sienna’s brakes were too sensitive. They drive it and agreed the problem negatively impacted the driving experience. Then, Consumer Reports reached out to Toyota. It found that the Japanese automaker already issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) which covers the braking issue. 

Anyone who owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna can take the minivan to their local dealer. There, the necessary repairs will be made free of charge. According to CR, the dealer will have to recalibrate the ABS module. The testing crew reported that following recalibration the 2021 Toyota Sienna’s brakes “improved markedly,” giving the driving experience a “much more natural feel, particularly during low-speed driving.” 

Overall, the Tesla Model 3 and the Toyota Sienna are both very different vehicles with almost nothing in common. However, they each had initial quality issues that had to do with braking problems. Thankfully, after Consumer Reports tested the vehicles, each manufacturer issued the necessary repairs. 

RELATED: There’s Only 1 Reason You Shouldn’t Buy the 2022 Toyota Highlander

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The Boring Company’s Las Vegas Loop Drivers Have Creepy Script For Talking About Elon Musk

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Elon Musk’s side hustle, The Boring Company, has finally opened its underground Las Vegas Loop. Elon Musk and The Boring Company are so obsessed with keeping the narrative tight around the new project that even the Tesla shuttle drivers have a script for how they are supposed to speak about Elon Musk, Tesla, and the LAs Vegas Loop. 

Tesla CEO Elon Musk | FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

What is The Boring Company’s Las Vegas Loop? 

According to The Drive, the Las Vegas Loop is a 1.7-mile stretch of tunnels buried beneath the Las Vegas convention center. The loop is staffed by drivers piloting modified Teslas to shuttle convention-goers around underneath the massive complex. While a tunnel system shouldn’t be overly controversial, Elon Musk’s brazen attitude has turned yet another small thing into a big thing. 

The Las Vegas Loop is the first of another of Elon Musk’s big ideas. Because of the messy situation with the loops, The Boring Company has instructed its drivers to use a script if certain topics, including Elon Musk, come up. 

The “ride script” is exactly what you’d expect; creepy

Due to a public records law, the script that the drivers were given has been made public. According to the document, drivers are to keep conversation to a minimum. If they are asked about accidents within the loop system or the details of their employment, they are instructed to obfuscate any direct answers. 

One of the quotes from the script says, “Your goal is to provide a safe ride for the passengers, not an entertaining ride. Keep conversation to a minimum so you can focus on the road.” It is clear as day that trying to keep employees quiet about the safety or history of the Las Vegas Loop is meant only to keep the negative press from ever creeping up. 

Given the controversial nature of Elon Musk, the owner of The Boring Company, his name is sure to come up during the strange underground transportation system ride. Well, luckily for the drivers (and not controlling or creepy at all) Elon Musk has told them how to address any queries about himself. 

If an employee is asked what Elon Musk is like, drivers are told to respond “He’s awesome!” before gushing about the inspiring and motivating qualities of Father Musk. Questions regarding whether drivers are enjoying their jobs underneath Musk should be answered with a quick: “Yup, he’s a great leader! He motivates us to do great work.” Come on, now. 

Some of the script is redacted 

Elon Musk and The Boring Company have open the Las Vegas Loop but drivers are meant to stick to a prewritten script
Las Vegas Lopp tunnel | LVCC

As noted by The Drive, the public records laws still allow for sensitive information to be redacted. You better believe Elon Musk and company took the opportunity to redact parts that instruct the drivers on answering questions about Tesla’s “AutoPilot”. 

The local Clark County law forbids the use of any of Tesla’s slick driver aids like “AutoPilot” or even lane keep assist. Speaking of which, driving speeds are limited to only 35 mph in the Loop. However, Elon Musk has a goal of getting longer loops to allow autonomous cars a max speed of 150 mph. 

Elon Musk is not doing a great job of instilling a sense of trust in Las Vegas Loop

Elon Musk is constantly asking more and more of our trust while giving customers increasing levels of shrouded and obfuscated explanations to his sci-fi ideas. When pressed on this lack of clarity, he often just doubles down on himself and his lofty promises. 

Keeping his employees on a tight lease that only allows them to circle the great Musk is about what many would expect at this point. The demi-god feeds his people and they endlessly and quietly drive the loop. 

RELATED: You Can Register To Test Ride the Las Vegas Underground Loop

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